CHICAGO (AP) - Defender Michael Parkhurst is rejoining the U.S. roster for Thursday's semifinal against Honduras in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Parkhurst played in three first-round matches, then returned to Denmark to be with Nordsjaelland and missed Saturday's quarterfinal victory over Panama.
The U.S., seeking its third straight title in the regional championship, will have 19 players available for the match, team spokesman Michael Kammarman said Monday, and won't be adding any of the seven supplemental players on its roster.
7/20/2009
12-year-old plays 1st-division match in Bolivia
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) - A 12-year-old has played in a first-division football game in Bolivia.
Mauricio Baldivieso - the son of Aurora club coach Julio Cesar Baldivieso - entered the match Sunday in the 84th minute in a game Aurora lost 1-0 to La Paz FC. He is believed to be the youngest player to take the field in a top-flight game in the South American country.
Baldivieso wore No. 10, the same number his father once wore playing for Bolivia's national team.
"I felt relaxed because I had the support of other players on the team," Baldivieso said.
The younger Baldivieso touched the ball three times, and was knocked down once by an opponent - which drew jeers from the fans.
"Papa told me that I would make my debut if we were winning," he told reporters. "But things went another way and I still got to play."
Baldivieso turns 13 on Wednesday and said he hopes to play abroad one day.
Mauricio Baldivieso - the son of Aurora club coach Julio Cesar Baldivieso - entered the match Sunday in the 84th minute in a game Aurora lost 1-0 to La Paz FC. He is believed to be the youngest player to take the field in a top-flight game in the South American country.
Baldivieso wore No. 10, the same number his father once wore playing for Bolivia's national team.
"I felt relaxed because I had the support of other players on the team," Baldivieso said.
The younger Baldivieso touched the ball three times, and was knocked down once by an opponent - which drew jeers from the fans.
"Papa told me that I would make my debut if we were winning," he told reporters. "But things went another way and I still got to play."
Baldivieso turns 13 on Wednesday and said he hopes to play abroad one day.
United boss dismisses City challenge
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed Manchester City as a major threat to Red Devils' Premier League title.
Ferguson has watched agog like the rest of a startled football world this summer as City have splashed out millions in the pursuit of glory.
Emmanuel Adebayor is the latest £25million addition to a cast list that also includes Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz and former United favourite Carlos Tevez, with the prospect of more to come.
As someone who has become accustomed to City's famous inconsistencies during his 23 years at the Old Trafford helm, it must feel strange to know a challenge to United's dominance may come from much nearer home than usual this term.
Yet, relaxed and healthy at the start of another punishing season, Ferguson let his thoughts wander from United's current base in Kuala Lumpur to the city they share with a team now in a very big hurry.
"Given all that has happened in the transfer market this summer, it is a different type of challenge we are facing," he reflected.
"We are being challenged for the back pages.
"Manchester City are getting all the back page stories and they will hold that position for the rest of the season because there is a lot of interest in what they have done and a lot of speculation about whether it is going to work.
"But I cannot look at Manchester City as our main competitors. Liverpool and Chelsea are our main competitors. There is no doubt about that."
And that means no third championship-winning campaign for Carlos Tevez, who has irritated Ferguson with the way he has reacted to his own departure from Old Trafford, bringing the obvious assumption that he really was not worth the hassle of the extra £25million it would have cost to make his "lease" period permanent.
"It won't be easy for them to win anything, even with all the players they have bought," said Ferguson, moving onto the whole City project.
"They have bought a lot of high profile players but they have 10 strikers. That is a hell of a lot.
"I have not spoken to all the managers but the one or two I have are saying "Who are they going to leave out?"
"How do you tell players they are not even going to be travelling to London? How does he pick a team? We are all interested."
It was bad enough for Ferguson to inform senior stars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo they would not be going to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final with Everton.
At least he could offer the Champions League as an alternative. Hughes can't, which just makes handling the expanding collection of talent gathered at Eastlands all the more problematic.
Problematic for United too as, together with Real Madrid, City have managed to bloat the transfer market to such an extent £50million price-tags are being placed on players who have no background.
No wonder he has withdrawn from action.
"Real Madrid are different to Manchester City," said Ferguson.
"They have an unusual culture of not really bothering about money because they can use their name to write off debt. No Spanish bank will ever close them down.
"Manchester City's culture is about cash. It is about having money and using it."
United have benefited of course. But Ferguson has opted to use only a fraction of the incredible £80million pot Madrid presented him with for Cristiano Ronaldo, bringing in Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan to a squad expected to challenge for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title; challenging with, he thinks, Chelsea, Liverpool and, maybe, Arsenal.
"I see Chelsea and Liverpool as the main threats because they have the experience and they are consistent," he said.
"They are hard to beat. That won't change. But I can't make up my mind about who is the better team. There is not much between them.
"Arsenal have the biggest job to do because they have sold Adebayor and don't seem to have the money the rest have got.
"How Arsene develops his team will be his biggest test.
"The one thing we know about Arsenal is that they will play some of the best football you will see and they will create chances. They could easily re-establish themselves and challenge for the league again."
And with that, Ferguson is done, ready to embark on another rollercoaster year, knowing one more title will bring immortality for a team aiming to achieve something not done in the previous 130 years.
"We have won the title for the last three years and in the history of the English game no-one has ever won four," he said. "That tells you what a competitive league it is.
"Lyon won their league seven times in a row. Dynamo Kiev won nine, as have Celtic and Rangers. Dinamo Berlin 11 in the old East Germany. You will never get that in the English game.
"I am in charge of a football club that has the right philosophy. I have had fantastic moments here. I have 76,000 watching my team in every home game. I shouldn't really concern myself about another team in the same city, no matter what they do."
Ferguson has watched agog like the rest of a startled football world this summer as City have splashed out millions in the pursuit of glory.
Emmanuel Adebayor is the latest £25million addition to a cast list that also includes Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz and former United favourite Carlos Tevez, with the prospect of more to come.
As someone who has become accustomed to City's famous inconsistencies during his 23 years at the Old Trafford helm, it must feel strange to know a challenge to United's dominance may come from much nearer home than usual this term.
Yet, relaxed and healthy at the start of another punishing season, Ferguson let his thoughts wander from United's current base in Kuala Lumpur to the city they share with a team now in a very big hurry.
"Given all that has happened in the transfer market this summer, it is a different type of challenge we are facing," he reflected.
"We are being challenged for the back pages.
"Manchester City are getting all the back page stories and they will hold that position for the rest of the season because there is a lot of interest in what they have done and a lot of speculation about whether it is going to work.
"But I cannot look at Manchester City as our main competitors. Liverpool and Chelsea are our main competitors. There is no doubt about that."
And that means no third championship-winning campaign for Carlos Tevez, who has irritated Ferguson with the way he has reacted to his own departure from Old Trafford, bringing the obvious assumption that he really was not worth the hassle of the extra £25million it would have cost to make his "lease" period permanent.
"It won't be easy for them to win anything, even with all the players they have bought," said Ferguson, moving onto the whole City project.
"They have bought a lot of high profile players but they have 10 strikers. That is a hell of a lot.
"I have not spoken to all the managers but the one or two I have are saying "Who are they going to leave out?"
"How do you tell players they are not even going to be travelling to London? How does he pick a team? We are all interested."
It was bad enough for Ferguson to inform senior stars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo they would not be going to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final with Everton.
At least he could offer the Champions League as an alternative. Hughes can't, which just makes handling the expanding collection of talent gathered at Eastlands all the more problematic.
Problematic for United too as, together with Real Madrid, City have managed to bloat the transfer market to such an extent £50million price-tags are being placed on players who have no background.
No wonder he has withdrawn from action.
"Real Madrid are different to Manchester City," said Ferguson.
"They have an unusual culture of not really bothering about money because they can use their name to write off debt. No Spanish bank will ever close them down.
"Manchester City's culture is about cash. It is about having money and using it."
United have benefited of course. But Ferguson has opted to use only a fraction of the incredible £80million pot Madrid presented him with for Cristiano Ronaldo, bringing in Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan to a squad expected to challenge for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title; challenging with, he thinks, Chelsea, Liverpool and, maybe, Arsenal.
"I see Chelsea and Liverpool as the main threats because they have the experience and they are consistent," he said.
"They are hard to beat. That won't change. But I can't make up my mind about who is the better team. There is not much between them.
"Arsenal have the biggest job to do because they have sold Adebayor and don't seem to have the money the rest have got.
"How Arsene develops his team will be his biggest test.
"The one thing we know about Arsenal is that they will play some of the best football you will see and they will create chances. They could easily re-establish themselves and challenge for the league again."
And with that, Ferguson is done, ready to embark on another rollercoaster year, knowing one more title will bring immortality for a team aiming to achieve something not done in the previous 130 years.
"We have won the title for the last three years and in the history of the English game no-one has ever won four," he said. "That tells you what a competitive league it is.
"Lyon won their league seven times in a row. Dynamo Kiev won nine, as have Celtic and Rangers. Dinamo Berlin 11 in the old East Germany. You will never get that in the English game.
"I am in charge of a football club that has the right philosophy. I have had fantastic moments here. I have 76,000 watching my team in every home game. I shouldn't really concern myself about another team in the same city, no matter what they do."
Gunners boss still tracking Chamakh
Arsene Wenger has admitted his interest in Marouane Chamakh, even though the Bordeaux striker claims to have given up hope of joining Arsenal.
The 25-year-old has been persistently linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as a possible replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor and Wenger revealed he has been keeping tabs on the frontman.
"We keep an eye on him," said Wenger on the club's official website. "He is one of the players that we will follow and if we went for a striker then he would be one of the possibilities."
Chamakh, though, is no longer confident a move to Arsenal will materialise.
"I don't really believe it much any more," he told L'Equipe.
But the forward still has his heart set on a move to the Premier League, with Sunderland, Blackburn, Tottenham and Fulham all reportedly possible destinations.
"My bosses (at Bordeaux) are trying to convince me to stay," added Chamakh.
"But for me, it's a risk that I'll take. It's my dearest wish."
Chamakh, who has spent all his career at Bordeaux since joining their youth set-up at the age of 16, revealed he hopes to finalise a move before Les Girondins set off for Canada next Thursday.
"Frankly my head isn't in going to Canada," he said.
"My head is in England.
"We're talking about my first transfer, I didn't know anything about all the problems that this could pose. I'm having bad nights at the moment."
Adebayor has joined big-spending Manchester City and Wenger paid tribute to the Togo striker's impact in his three years in north London.
Wenger said: "Firstly, we must thank Emmanuel for his contribution to the club. Whenever he was on the pitch, he always gave absolutely everything to the team and since joining us in January 2006, he produced a number of match-winning performances.
"Emmanuel leaves with our best wishes and we now look forward continuing our preparations for next season."
Adebayor may have gone, but Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who has been plagued by a hamstring tendon injury for about one-and-a-half seasons, could be fit for the start of the new campaign.
Rosicky played his first game for the club in 18 months when he captained the side in a friendly at Barnet on Saturday, playing the first 45 minutes.
The former Borussia Dortmund star will now look to step up his fitness at the nine-day training camp in Austria, which starts with a friendly in Vienna tomorrow.
And Wenger feels that, if all goes to plan, the creative midfielder could be fit to for the start of the Premier League.
"We have to prepare him well and balance him well," said the manager.
"But if he comes through the preparations OK then he could start the season.
"There was a time I feared that (he might not come back) and I think that he felt it too. But he always had a dedicated and healthy life so I always had hope."
The 25-year-old has been persistently linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as a possible replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor and Wenger revealed he has been keeping tabs on the frontman.
"We keep an eye on him," said Wenger on the club's official website. "He is one of the players that we will follow and if we went for a striker then he would be one of the possibilities."
Chamakh, though, is no longer confident a move to Arsenal will materialise.
"I don't really believe it much any more," he told L'Equipe.
But the forward still has his heart set on a move to the Premier League, with Sunderland, Blackburn, Tottenham and Fulham all reportedly possible destinations.
"My bosses (at Bordeaux) are trying to convince me to stay," added Chamakh.
"But for me, it's a risk that I'll take. It's my dearest wish."
Chamakh, who has spent all his career at Bordeaux since joining their youth set-up at the age of 16, revealed he hopes to finalise a move before Les Girondins set off for Canada next Thursday.
"Frankly my head isn't in going to Canada," he said.
"My head is in England.
"We're talking about my first transfer, I didn't know anything about all the problems that this could pose. I'm having bad nights at the moment."
Adebayor has joined big-spending Manchester City and Wenger paid tribute to the Togo striker's impact in his three years in north London.
Wenger said: "Firstly, we must thank Emmanuel for his contribution to the club. Whenever he was on the pitch, he always gave absolutely everything to the team and since joining us in January 2006, he produced a number of match-winning performances.
"Emmanuel leaves with our best wishes and we now look forward continuing our preparations for next season."
Adebayor may have gone, but Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who has been plagued by a hamstring tendon injury for about one-and-a-half seasons, could be fit for the start of the new campaign.
Rosicky played his first game for the club in 18 months when he captained the side in a friendly at Barnet on Saturday, playing the first 45 minutes.
The former Borussia Dortmund star will now look to step up his fitness at the nine-day training camp in Austria, which starts with a friendly in Vienna tomorrow.
And Wenger feels that, if all goes to plan, the creative midfielder could be fit to for the start of the Premier League.
"We have to prepare him well and balance him well," said the manager.
"But if he comes through the preparations OK then he could start the season.
"There was a time I feared that (he might not come back) and I think that he felt it too. But he always had a dedicated and healthy life so I always had hope."
Colombian player says he didn't mean to kill fan
MADRID (AP) - A Colombian football player who admitted to killing a fan earlier this month called the shooting a drunken accident that resulted from his being attacked.
Javier Florez turned himself into authorities in the Colombian city of Barranquilla hours after fatally shooting the fan, who had been taunting him after Athletic Junior lost in the local league on July 5. Florez admitted to being drunk and reacting after a stone was thrown at his car.
"I was drunk, full of hate, of fury. They challenged me to fight. I went up to them, pulled the gun out and one of them jumped at me to take it away," Florez told Spanish sports daily Marca. "In this altercation, the horrible thing happened. I shot several times. I don't remember very well."
Florez denied that he had intended to kill the man.
"I parked the car and went to confront them," he said. "I was carrying a gun and thought it would scare them."
Marca said Florez is being charged by local prosecutors with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. He is expected to stand trial in the upcoming months.
"Alcohol and weapons should never mix," Florez said. "This has caused me a lot of suffering."
Javier Florez turned himself into authorities in the Colombian city of Barranquilla hours after fatally shooting the fan, who had been taunting him after Athletic Junior lost in the local league on July 5. Florez admitted to being drunk and reacting after a stone was thrown at his car.
"I was drunk, full of hate, of fury. They challenged me to fight. I went up to them, pulled the gun out and one of them jumped at me to take it away," Florez told Spanish sports daily Marca. "In this altercation, the horrible thing happened. I shot several times. I don't remember very well."
Florez denied that he had intended to kill the man.
"I parked the car and went to confront them," he said. "I was carrying a gun and thought it would scare them."
Marca said Florez is being charged by local prosecutors with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. He is expected to stand trial in the upcoming months.
"Alcohol and weapons should never mix," Florez said. "This has caused me a lot of suffering."
Ferguson plays down Rooney incident
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson brushed off Wayne Rooney's angry reaction to a penalty box clattering in Malaysia on Monday.
Rooney was turning in his usual industrious display after being introduced as a 67th-minute substitute in United's 2-0 win over a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur when he was barged into by goalkeeper Mohammed Farizal Marlias as the pair tussled for a corner.
The United striker responded with a swipe of the arm, before walking away holding the ear he injured on holiday earlier in the summer and required stitches.
It was the kind of incident that could easily have been avoided, although Ferguson was not too concerned after the final whistle.
"He got a bit annoyed because the goalkeeper caught him on the ear that has been stitched," said Ferguson.
"It was a momentary explosion of anger."
Ferguson has given all his players a day off on Tuesday in order to recharge their batteries, ahead of a seven-hour flight to Seoul on Wednesday.
Once there, they will be joined by local hero Park Ji-sung, before tackling FC Seoul on Friday, Chinese Super League outfit Hangzhou Greentown on Sunday. They will then head straight to Munich to compete in the four-team Audi Cup.
Given the heat and humidity, United are doing well to last the games and Ferguson is convinced the benefits are beginning to show.
"It was a sticky night. You feel exhausted just watching it," he said.
"We created a lot of chances and should have done better with our finishing.
"But we were a bit sharper in the first half tonight than we were on Saturday.
"You are going to get that in terms of players getting their timing and rhythm back in their game.
"We are looking forward to the game in Korea because that will be a good standard."
Rooney was turning in his usual industrious display after being introduced as a 67th-minute substitute in United's 2-0 win over a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur when he was barged into by goalkeeper Mohammed Farizal Marlias as the pair tussled for a corner.
The United striker responded with a swipe of the arm, before walking away holding the ear he injured on holiday earlier in the summer and required stitches.
It was the kind of incident that could easily have been avoided, although Ferguson was not too concerned after the final whistle.
"He got a bit annoyed because the goalkeeper caught him on the ear that has been stitched," said Ferguson.
"It was a momentary explosion of anger."
Ferguson has given all his players a day off on Tuesday in order to recharge their batteries, ahead of a seven-hour flight to Seoul on Wednesday.
Once there, they will be joined by local hero Park Ji-sung, before tackling FC Seoul on Friday, Chinese Super League outfit Hangzhou Greentown on Sunday. They will then head straight to Munich to compete in the four-team Audi Cup.
Given the heat and humidity, United are doing well to last the games and Ferguson is convinced the benefits are beginning to show.
"It was a sticky night. You feel exhausted just watching it," he said.
"We created a lot of chances and should have done better with our finishing.
"But we were a bit sharper in the first half tonight than we were on Saturday.
"You are going to get that in terms of players getting their timing and rhythm back in their game.
"We are looking forward to the game in Korea because that will be a good standard."
Colombian player says he didn't mean to kill fan
MADRID (AP) - A Colombian football player who admitted to killing a fan earlier this month called the shooting a drunken accident that resulted from his being attacked.
Javier Florez turned himself into authorities in the Colombian city of Barranquilla hours after fatally shooting the fan, who had been taunting him after Athletic Junior lost in the local league on July 5. Florez admitted to being drunk and reacting after a stone was thrown at his car.
"I was drunk, full of hate, of fury. They challenged me to fight. I went up to them, pulled the gun out and one of them jumped at me to take it away," Florez told Spanish sports daily Marca. "In this altercation, the horrible thing happened. I shot several times. I don't remember very well."
Florez denied that he had intended to kill the man.
"I parked the car and went to confront them," he said. "I was carrying a gun and thought it would scare them."
Marca said Florez is being charged by local prosecutors with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. He is expected to stand trial in the upcoming months.
"Alcohol and weapons should never mix," Florez said. "This has caused me a lot of suffering."
Javier Florez turned himself into authorities in the Colombian city of Barranquilla hours after fatally shooting the fan, who had been taunting him after Athletic Junior lost in the local league on July 5. Florez admitted to being drunk and reacting after a stone was thrown at his car.
"I was drunk, full of hate, of fury. They challenged me to fight. I went up to them, pulled the gun out and one of them jumped at me to take it away," Florez told Spanish sports daily Marca. "In this altercation, the horrible thing happened. I shot several times. I don't remember very well."
Florez denied that he had intended to kill the man.
"I parked the car and went to confront them," he said. "I was carrying a gun and thought it would scare them."
Marca said Florez is being charged by local prosecutors with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. He is expected to stand trial in the upcoming months.
"Alcohol and weapons should never mix," Florez said. "This has caused me a lot of suffering."
Toffees close in on Elm deal
Everton are closing in on a deal to sign Rasmus Elm as Joleon Lescott jetted off with his team-mates to the club's training base in the USA.
Sweden international Elm, who has also attracted the interest of Fulham, was given a guided tour of Everton's Finch Farm training ground last week and has since returned home as the Toffees prepare to tie-up a deal for the 21-year-old Kalmar midfielder, who has won nine caps for his country.
While Elm's expected arrival in the coming days will swell Everton's first-team ranks, the Toffees remain determined to retain the services of highly-rated England defender Lescott.
The Liverpool club turned down a £15million bid from City on Friday but are braced for the big-spending Eastlands outfit to return to the negotiating table with an increased offer.
For the moment, however, Lescott remains an Everton player and is heading for Seattle and a week-long training camp ahead of a pre-season friendly against River Plate in Edmonton, Canada on Sunday.
Manager David Moyes has been steadfast in his refusal to entertain offers for his big-name stars this summer, and it is believed it would take an offer in the region of £30million for the Scot to part company with the former Wolves player.
Sweden international Elm, who has also attracted the interest of Fulham, was given a guided tour of Everton's Finch Farm training ground last week and has since returned home as the Toffees prepare to tie-up a deal for the 21-year-old Kalmar midfielder, who has won nine caps for his country.
While Elm's expected arrival in the coming days will swell Everton's first-team ranks, the Toffees remain determined to retain the services of highly-rated England defender Lescott.
The Liverpool club turned down a £15million bid from City on Friday but are braced for the big-spending Eastlands outfit to return to the negotiating table with an increased offer.
For the moment, however, Lescott remains an Everton player and is heading for Seattle and a week-long training camp ahead of a pre-season friendly against River Plate in Edmonton, Canada on Sunday.
Manager David Moyes has been steadfast in his refusal to entertain offers for his big-name stars this summer, and it is believed it would take an offer in the region of £30million for the Scot to part company with the former Wolves player.
Blues starlet set for Hammers move
West Ham are understood to have won the race to sign young Chelsea striker Frank Nouble, who was also being chased by Arsenal.
The Hammers have moved for Nouble after the 17-year-old rejected the offer of a professional contract at Stamford Bridge.
Nouble is rated one of the best teenage talents in England having impressed for Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup and in the reserves.
Chelsea were keen to tie down Nouble to a long-term deal, but the young striker has decided to move on as he fears his first-team chances would have been limited at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal were credited with an interest in Nouble, but West Ham have managed to lure the powerful frontman to Upton Park.
Nouble's signing will come as a massive coup to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola as he is tipped for a big future in the game.
The Hammers have moved for Nouble after the 17-year-old rejected the offer of a professional contract at Stamford Bridge.
Nouble is rated one of the best teenage talents in England having impressed for Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup and in the reserves.
Chelsea were keen to tie down Nouble to a long-term deal, but the young striker has decided to move on as he fears his first-team chances would have been limited at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal were credited with an interest in Nouble, but West Ham have managed to lure the powerful frontman to Upton Park.
Nouble's signing will come as a massive coup to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola as he is tipped for a big future in the game.
Fergie pins hopes on Macheda
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the emergence of Federico Macheda is one of the reasons why Manchester United have not spent big this summer.
The 17-year-old Italian was on target as United beat a Malaysia XI 2-0 in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, netting the opener before free-transfer arrival Michael Owen added a second shortly afterwards.
Ferguson was pleased with the workout but reserved special praise for Macheda, who burst on to the scene last season with vital goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland as United clinched their third successive Premier League crown.
He told MUTV: "I am pleased that Macheda and Owen have struck up a good partnership.
"We have big hopes for Macheda. He is one of the reasons we didn't go into the market. He is strong, athletic and a good finisher.
"He played his part last season but he is just a young lad learning his game."
Ferguson was also pleased with Owen, who grabbed his second goal in two pre-season games.
"It was a typical Michael Owen goal. He reacted first as he did the other night, his whole contribution was very good," he said.
Macheda is excited at his partnership with Owen and vowed to learn off the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man.
"I will learn from him because he is one of the best strikers. It's important to learn from him and get better day by day," he said.
The 17-year-old Italian was on target as United beat a Malaysia XI 2-0 in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, netting the opener before free-transfer arrival Michael Owen added a second shortly afterwards.
Ferguson was pleased with the workout but reserved special praise for Macheda, who burst on to the scene last season with vital goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland as United clinched their third successive Premier League crown.
He told MUTV: "I am pleased that Macheda and Owen have struck up a good partnership.
"We have big hopes for Macheda. He is one of the reasons we didn't go into the market. He is strong, athletic and a good finisher.
"He played his part last season but he is just a young lad learning his game."
Ferguson was also pleased with Owen, who grabbed his second goal in two pre-season games.
"It was a typical Michael Owen goal. He reacted first as he did the other night, his whole contribution was very good," he said.
Macheda is excited at his partnership with Owen and vowed to learn off the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man.
"I will learn from him because he is one of the best strikers. It's important to learn from him and get better day by day," he said.
Hughes blames Blues over JT furore
Mark Hughes insists he has nothing to worry about after suggestions that Chelsea could report Manchester City over their pursuit of John Terry.
The Blues announced earlier this month that they had rejected a second offer for Terry, making it clear that he is not for sale.
Hughes is keen to strengthen his defence and has urged the England captain to consider taking up a "new challenge" at Eastlands.
Chelsea are reportedly so unhappy with City's pursuit that they may take the matter to the Premier League, but Hughes has dismissed any allegations of tapping-up.
He maintains that it was Chelsea who made the subject public, while he has only spoken about Terry when asked.
"I saw those reports but to be perfectly honest I am not sure where they have come from," he said on Sky Sports News.
"We have put in a bid for a player from Chelsea. We didn't advertise the fact that we had gone in and we tried to keep it under the radar.
"It wasn't ourselves that published the fact that we had made a bid for John Terry, it was actually Chelsea themselves.
"They obviously wanted to put that into the public domain and ever since then I have just been answering questions about John Terry.
"I don't think that is any basis to report either myself or Manchester City."
The Blues announced earlier this month that they had rejected a second offer for Terry, making it clear that he is not for sale.
Hughes is keen to strengthen his defence and has urged the England captain to consider taking up a "new challenge" at Eastlands.
Chelsea are reportedly so unhappy with City's pursuit that they may take the matter to the Premier League, but Hughes has dismissed any allegations of tapping-up.
He maintains that it was Chelsea who made the subject public, while he has only spoken about Terry when asked.
"I saw those reports but to be perfectly honest I am not sure where they have come from," he said on Sky Sports News.
"We have put in a bid for a player from Chelsea. We didn't advertise the fact that we had gone in and we tried to keep it under the radar.
"It wasn't ourselves that published the fact that we had made a bid for John Terry, it was actually Chelsea themselves.
"They obviously wanted to put that into the public domain and ever since then I have just been answering questions about John Terry.
"I don't think that is any basis to report either myself or Manchester City."
Carragher confident of title glory
Jamie Carragher insists last season has given Liverpool the belief that they are within touching distance of their first Premier League title.
Perennially tipped as genuine challengers, the Reds have often flattered to deceive in the past.
But last season's 86-point haul - their highest total in the Premier League era which included a double over eventual champions Manchester United - has injected a real sense of optimism around Merseyside that Rafa Benitez's men can finish top of the pile for the first time since 1990.
"We had a very good season in the league last year but we realise that if we can improve that by one or two per cent that may be enough and that's what we're trying to do," Carragher said.
"We took Manchester United very close last year and we realise them and also Chelsea will come back and maybe Manchester City as well so there's a lot of competition
"Hopefully the pre-season games we can improve and get better and make sure we're ready for Tottenham (first game of the new season) and go one step further than we did last year."
Perennially tipped as genuine challengers, the Reds have often flattered to deceive in the past.
But last season's 86-point haul - their highest total in the Premier League era which included a double over eventual champions Manchester United - has injected a real sense of optimism around Merseyside that Rafa Benitez's men can finish top of the pile for the first time since 1990.
"We had a very good season in the league last year but we realise that if we can improve that by one or two per cent that may be enough and that's what we're trying to do," Carragher said.
"We took Manchester United very close last year and we realise them and also Chelsea will come back and maybe Manchester City as well so there's a lot of competition
"Hopefully the pre-season games we can improve and get better and make sure we're ready for Tottenham (first game of the new season) and go one step further than we did last year."
FC Cologne signs Portugal midfielder Maniche
COLOGNE, Germany (AP) - FC Cologne has signed Portugal midfielder Maniche from Atletico Madrid on a two-year contract.
Maniche joins fellow Portugal midfielder Petit at the Bundesliga club.
Cologne president Wolgang Overath said Monday that "Maniche is a big name in European football. ... We are proud that we could sign him. The second year after promotion is particularly difficult and he can help us with his class and experience."
Cologne coach Zvonimir Soldo said he was pleased with the move.
Maniche joins fellow Portugal midfielder Petit at the Bundesliga club.
Cologne president Wolgang Overath said Monday that "Maniche is a big name in European football. ... We are proud that we could sign him. The second year after promotion is particularly difficult and he can help us with his class and experience."
Cologne coach Zvonimir Soldo said he was pleased with the move.
Colombian player says he didn't mean to kill fan
MADRID (AP) - A Colombian football player who admitted to killing a fan earlier this month called the shooting a drunken accident that resulted from his being attacked.
Javier Florez turned himself into authorities in the Colombian city of Barranquilla hours after fatally shooting the fan, who had been taunting him after Athletic Junior lost in the local league on July 5. Florez admitted to being drunk and reacting after a stone was thrown at his car.
"I was drunk, full of hate, of fury. They challenged me to fight. I went up to them, pulled the gun out and one of them jumped at me to take it away," Florez told Spanish sports daily Marca. "In this altercation, the horrible thing happened. I shot several times. I don't remember very well."
Florez denied that he had intended to kill the man.
"I parked the car and went to confront them," he said. "I was carrying a gun and thought it would scare them."
Marca said Florez is being charged by local prosecutors with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. He is expected to stand trial in the upcoming months.
"Alcohol and weapons should never mix," Florez said. "This has caused me a lot of suffering."
Javier Florez turned himself into authorities in the Colombian city of Barranquilla hours after fatally shooting the fan, who had been taunting him after Athletic Junior lost in the local league on July 5. Florez admitted to being drunk and reacting after a stone was thrown at his car.
"I was drunk, full of hate, of fury. They challenged me to fight. I went up to them, pulled the gun out and one of them jumped at me to take it away," Florez told Spanish sports daily Marca. "In this altercation, the horrible thing happened. I shot several times. I don't remember very well."
Florez denied that he had intended to kill the man.
"I parked the car and went to confront them," he said. "I was carrying a gun and thought it would scare them."
Marca said Florez is being charged by local prosecutors with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. He is expected to stand trial in the upcoming months.
"Alcohol and weapons should never mix," Florez said. "This has caused me a lot of suffering."
Norway international Riise set to sign for Fulham
LONDON (AP) - Norway midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise was on the verge Monday of joining Fulham from Lillestrom.
The 26-year-old Riise - whose older brother John Arne spent seven seasons with Liverpool and now plays for AS Roma in Serie A - traveled to London for contract talks and a medical, Fulham said on its Web site.
"This process is not due to be completed until late on Tuesday evening," the Premier League club said in a statement.
Norwegian media reported that the transfer fee would be around 16 million kroner ($2.5 million; €1.8 million).
Riise is currently in his fifth season with Lillestrom and has played 16 times for Norway.
The 26-year-old Riise - whose older brother John Arne spent seven seasons with Liverpool and now plays for AS Roma in Serie A - traveled to London for contract talks and a medical, Fulham said on its Web site.
"This process is not due to be completed until late on Tuesday evening," the Premier League club said in a statement.
Norwegian media reported that the transfer fee would be around 16 million kroner ($2.5 million; €1.8 million).
Riise is currently in his fifth season with Lillestrom and has played 16 times for Norway.
Man United beats Malaysia 2-0 in Asian tour match
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Michael Owen scored for the second time in two matches to help give Manchester United a 2-0 win Monday over a Malaysian XI on its Asian preseason tour.
The Premier League champions narrowly edged the Malaysian team 3-2 Saturday, but delivered a more commanding performance in the rematch in front of 30,000 fans in Kuala Lumpur.
With Owen and Ryan Giggs in the starting lineup and Wayne Rooney on the bench, there seemed to be more urgency to United's game as they kept using the flanks to prise open the Malaysian defense.
United took an early lead in the 10th minute when winger Darren Fletcher played the ball back to the waiting Federico Macheda, who easily slotted into the net.
Just two minutes later, Owen capitalized on a hesitant Malaysian defense for his second goal of the tour.
Owen came close to scoring again in the 60th, but his effort came off the post.
United seemed content to protect its lead, and Malaysia failed to convert its chances in the second half.
Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov came on to increase United's pace in attack, and the England striker almost scored from a cross in the 68th. Five minutes later, Berbatov's header went straight to Malaysian goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias.
The Red Devils decided to play against Malaysia again after canceling a planned match in Indonesia in the wake of Friday's bomb attack on the Jakarta hotel where they were due to stay. They will depart Wednesday for the next leg of their Asia tour in Seoul and then on to China.
The Premier League champions narrowly edged the Malaysian team 3-2 Saturday, but delivered a more commanding performance in the rematch in front of 30,000 fans in Kuala Lumpur.
With Owen and Ryan Giggs in the starting lineup and Wayne Rooney on the bench, there seemed to be more urgency to United's game as they kept using the flanks to prise open the Malaysian defense.
United took an early lead in the 10th minute when winger Darren Fletcher played the ball back to the waiting Federico Macheda, who easily slotted into the net.
Just two minutes later, Owen capitalized on a hesitant Malaysian defense for his second goal of the tour.
Owen came close to scoring again in the 60th, but his effort came off the post.
United seemed content to protect its lead, and Malaysia failed to convert its chances in the second half.
Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov came on to increase United's pace in attack, and the England striker almost scored from a cross in the 68th. Five minutes later, Berbatov's header went straight to Malaysian goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias.
The Red Devils decided to play against Malaysia again after canceling a planned match in Indonesia in the wake of Friday's bomb attack on the Jakarta hotel where they were due to stay. They will depart Wednesday for the next leg of their Asia tour in Seoul and then on to China.
Alonso: Move to Real Madrid out of my hands
MADRID (AP) - Liverpool midfield Xabi Alonso is flattered by the interest shown by Real Madrid, even if he has little say in where he ends up playing next season.
"The fact that Real wants you is always nice, above all, taking into account where I am in my career. But I've already said, at this point, what could happen is not my decision," Alonso told Spanish sports daily AS on Monday. "We will have to see what happens."
Alonso, however, said he was open to playing for the Spanish club, which has already spent more than €200 million ($285 million) on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema.
"Real Madrid's project is impressive," the Spain international said.
Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez gave no hint as to whether he will be willing to part with the midfielder, saying Monday that Alonso had traveled with the team to Thailand as part of its preseason tour of Asia.
Alonso is reportedly also being sought by Inter Milan.
"The fact that Real wants you is always nice, above all, taking into account where I am in my career. But I've already said, at this point, what could happen is not my decision," Alonso told Spanish sports daily AS on Monday. "We will have to see what happens."
Alonso, however, said he was open to playing for the Spanish club, which has already spent more than €200 million ($285 million) on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema.
"Real Madrid's project is impressive," the Spain international said.
Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez gave no hint as to whether he will be willing to part with the midfielder, saying Monday that Alonso had traveled with the team to Thailand as part of its preseason tour of Asia.
Alonso is reportedly also being sought by Inter Milan.
Beckham confronts fan in home return with Galaxy
CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Boos rained down and fans sent negative messages with their homemade signs. Things sure got ugly when David Beckham came back to town.
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
Gerrard in court ahead of trial
Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard was in the dock on Monday as jurors waited to be called to try his affray case.
The Reds captain, 29, stood next to his six co-accused at Liverpool Crown Court in a dark grey suit and black suede shoes.
The millionaire star took his place behind the glass sealed dock in courtroom 4:1 as Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned the hearing until 2.15pm for legal discussions.
The midfielder arrived early at court to meet his solicitor Richard Green for discussions ahead of the trial opening.
The father-of-two is accused of affray - which he denies.
It is alleged Gerrard was involved in a nightclub melee in Southport in the early hours of December 29 in which businessman Marcus McGee, 34, was injured.
Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle when trouble began.
Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside, is jointly charged with Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, of Enstone Road, Litherland.
Also on trial are John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, Ian Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all of Huyton, Merseyside.
Following further legal submissions, the case was adjourned again until Tuesday morning without a jury being sworn in.
The trial is scheduled to last between two and three weeks.
The Reds captain, 29, stood next to his six co-accused at Liverpool Crown Court in a dark grey suit and black suede shoes.
The millionaire star took his place behind the glass sealed dock in courtroom 4:1 as Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned the hearing until 2.15pm for legal discussions.
The midfielder arrived early at court to meet his solicitor Richard Green for discussions ahead of the trial opening.
The father-of-two is accused of affray - which he denies.
It is alleged Gerrard was involved in a nightclub melee in Southport in the early hours of December 29 in which businessman Marcus McGee, 34, was injured.
Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle when trouble began.
Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside, is jointly charged with Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, of Enstone Road, Litherland.
Also on trial are John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, Ian Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all of Huyton, Merseyside.
Following further legal submissions, the case was adjourned again until Tuesday morning without a jury being sworn in.
The trial is scheduled to last between two and three weeks.
Easton gunning for Scotland chance
Brian Easton is hoping his summer switch to Premier League Burnley can result in a call-up to George Burley's Scotland squad.
The 21-year-old full-back, a £350,000 capture from Scottish Premier League side Hamilton last week, has represented his country at Under-21 and B level and now wants senior recognition.
Easton told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I'm sure this move will help me. If I become a regular starter in the Premier League, then Scotland could be next.
"I'll be playing at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge next season and that is amazing."
The 21-year-old full-back, a £350,000 capture from Scottish Premier League side Hamilton last week, has represented his country at Under-21 and B level and now wants senior recognition.
Easton told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I'm sure this move will help me. If I become a regular starter in the Premier League, then Scotland could be next.
"I'll be playing at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge next season and that is amazing."
Benitez fitness blow for Blues
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has revealed record signing Christian Benitez is unlikely to be fit for the opening game of the season.
The Ecuador striker, who is waiting on UK entry visa clearance, is recovering from a shoulder operation and is seven weeks into a 12-week rehabilitation programme.
McLeish told the club's official website: "It doesn't look good for the first game against Manchester United but we'll see how quickly he heals for the second game.
"We've just got to be patient. We haven't signed Benitez for the first game of the season, we've signed him for the full season and we have to make sure he's fit for the whole season."
The Ecuador striker, who is waiting on UK entry visa clearance, is recovering from a shoulder operation and is seven weeks into a 12-week rehabilitation programme.
McLeish told the club's official website: "It doesn't look good for the first game against Manchester United but we'll see how quickly he heals for the second game.
"We've just got to be patient. We haven't signed Benitez for the first game of the season, we've signed him for the full season and we have to make sure he's fit for the whole season."
Brown reveals Ricketts interest
Hull boss Phil Brown has not ruled out the possibility defender Sam Ricketts could leave the KC Stadium this summer.
The Wales international, who has been linked with Everton and Portsmouth, is in the final year of his contract and while Brown wants the 27-year-old to stay he admits there has been interest.
He said: "There are two Premier League clubs interested in Sam Ricketts, who will remain nameless, but Sam seems to have come back in a good vein of form and got his nose to the grindstone early doors.
"He has played in a couple of games so far and we'll see how that goes over the next three or four games."
The Wales international, who has been linked with Everton and Portsmouth, is in the final year of his contract and while Brown wants the 27-year-old to stay he admits there has been interest.
He said: "There are two Premier League clubs interested in Sam Ricketts, who will remain nameless, but Sam seems to have come back in a good vein of form and got his nose to the grindstone early doors.
"He has played in a couple of games so far and we'll see how that goes over the next three or four games."
Vieri still on Big Sam's radar
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has revealed the fitness of Christian Vieri will determine whether or not he will be offered a deal at Ewood Park.
The 36-year-old did not join Rovers on their pre-season tour of Italy and Croatia because Allardyce was concerned with the Italian's condition.
But Allardyce told the Lancashire Telegraph: "When we assessed Christian from the Austrian trip he was not in the right condition to consider games.
"We will weigh that up when we get back and if he wants to come and we feel it is right for the club then he could still join us for the last month.
"We will see what he wants to do and whether we think we can get him to the level to make a stab at it in the Premier League. If he can, then brilliant, if not then it was always a long shot."
The 36-year-old did not join Rovers on their pre-season tour of Italy and Croatia because Allardyce was concerned with the Italian's condition.
But Allardyce told the Lancashire Telegraph: "When we assessed Christian from the Austrian trip he was not in the right condition to consider games.
"We will weigh that up when we get back and if he wants to come and we feel it is right for the club then he could still join us for the last month.
"We will see what he wants to do and whether we think we can get him to the level to make a stab at it in the Premier League. If he can, then brilliant, if not then it was always a long shot."
Bruce hopeful of capturing Crouch
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce remains hopeful of signing Peter Crouch and is anticipating a decision from the striker within the next 24 hours.
Portsmouth have accepted a £12million bid from their Premier League rivals and Crouch held talks with the Black Cats last week.
However, Fulham have also shown an interest in the England international, while former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is keen to take the forward to Tottenham.
Bruce is aware he has competition to sign the 28-year-old, but is optimistic about his prospects of convincing Crouch to head to the Stadium of Light.
"We're happy to have agreed a fee with Portsmouth and happy that Peter came up to talk to us about the move," Bruce told the Sunderland Echo.
"We've given it our best shot in trying to convince him that Sunderland and the North East is the right place for him; the right club at the right time.
"And in that sense, we're content that we've done our jobs. Now we can only leave it with him and let him decide.
"I'm convinced that moving to Sunderland would be a great move for him and he would be a great signing for us and I remain hopeful because I'm excited about what we could do with him.
"We won't push him for a decision because it's up to him to make his mind up when he's thought things over.
"But I would expect that we'll probably have some information on how things stand very soon. Something could easily happen in the next 24 hours."
Portsmouth have accepted a £12million bid from their Premier League rivals and Crouch held talks with the Black Cats last week.
However, Fulham have also shown an interest in the England international, while former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is keen to take the forward to Tottenham.
Bruce is aware he has competition to sign the 28-year-old, but is optimistic about his prospects of convincing Crouch to head to the Stadium of Light.
"We're happy to have agreed a fee with Portsmouth and happy that Peter came up to talk to us about the move," Bruce told the Sunderland Echo.
"We've given it our best shot in trying to convince him that Sunderland and the North East is the right place for him; the right club at the right time.
"And in that sense, we're content that we've done our jobs. Now we can only leave it with him and let him decide.
"I'm convinced that moving to Sunderland would be a great move for him and he would be a great signing for us and I remain hopeful because I'm excited about what we could do with him.
"We won't push him for a decision because it's up to him to make his mind up when he's thought things over.
"But I would expect that we'll probably have some information on how things stand very soon. Something could easily happen in the next 24 hours."
Blatter: FIFA will consider Belgian-Dutch WCup bid
BRUSSELS (AP) - A joint World Cup bid by Belgium and the Netherlands to host either the 2018 or 2022 tournament will be considered by FIFA after all.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Monday that Belgian and Dutch officials assured him that their co-hosting candidacy would be run via a single organizing committee, not like the 2002 Japan-South Korea tournament, which posed a headache for football's governing body.
Blatter's comments appeared to reverse skeptical statements he made earlier this year, when he said joint bids will lose out in favor of a strong proposal from a solo host.
"After the World Cup 2002, the executive committee took a decision: never again a double candidature because it was absolutely wrong," Blatter said.
He said the way that tournament was run, with two organizing committees, different languages and budgets, made it too complex and cumbersome. But he said the Dutch-Belgian bid "is totally different," adding the bid was also a "sympathetic" one.
"The candidature like the Netherlands and Belgium shall be accepted because we have the evidence that there is only one organizing committee," Blatter said.
The two countries previously co-hosted for the 2000 European Championship, which was considered a success.
Blatter and other senior FIFA officials were invited for talks with Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy and King Albert II at the royal palace on Monday to discuss the bid. Bid committee co-chair Alain Courtois said the candidacy "will answer all FIFA criteria."
Along with 10 other bids, Belgium and the Netherlands want to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. On top of about ?1 billion ($1.42 billion) for up to a dozen stadiums, the nations would also have to improve public access through airport and highway upgrades.
Belgium, with 10 million people, and the Netherlands, with 16.5 million, are counting on a sympathy vote of other small nations worldwide to clinch the right to organize the World Cup.
Blatter said the bid from the two was welcome "because we want to show that the World Cup can still be held in smaller countries."
He also welcomed a similar co-hosting bid submitted by Spain and Portugal, but Blatter said he had not yet visited Madrid or Lisbon to get a briefing on how they plan to organize their bid. A meeting in Spain is planned for October, Blatter said.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said he was now examining all 11 preliminary bids, which also include applications by the United States, England and Russia. All candidates will have to submit a full bid book by next May.
The hosts will be chosen by the 24-member FIFA executive committee December 2010.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Monday that Belgian and Dutch officials assured him that their co-hosting candidacy would be run via a single organizing committee, not like the 2002 Japan-South Korea tournament, which posed a headache for football's governing body.
Blatter's comments appeared to reverse skeptical statements he made earlier this year, when he said joint bids will lose out in favor of a strong proposal from a solo host.
"After the World Cup 2002, the executive committee took a decision: never again a double candidature because it was absolutely wrong," Blatter said.
He said the way that tournament was run, with two organizing committees, different languages and budgets, made it too complex and cumbersome. But he said the Dutch-Belgian bid "is totally different," adding the bid was also a "sympathetic" one.
"The candidature like the Netherlands and Belgium shall be accepted because we have the evidence that there is only one organizing committee," Blatter said.
The two countries previously co-hosted for the 2000 European Championship, which was considered a success.
Blatter and other senior FIFA officials were invited for talks with Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy and King Albert II at the royal palace on Monday to discuss the bid. Bid committee co-chair Alain Courtois said the candidacy "will answer all FIFA criteria."
Along with 10 other bids, Belgium and the Netherlands want to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. On top of about ?1 billion ($1.42 billion) for up to a dozen stadiums, the nations would also have to improve public access through airport and highway upgrades.
Belgium, with 10 million people, and the Netherlands, with 16.5 million, are counting on a sympathy vote of other small nations worldwide to clinch the right to organize the World Cup.
Blatter said the bid from the two was welcome "because we want to show that the World Cup can still be held in smaller countries."
He also welcomed a similar co-hosting bid submitted by Spain and Portugal, but Blatter said he had not yet visited Madrid or Lisbon to get a briefing on how they plan to organize their bid. A meeting in Spain is planned for October, Blatter said.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said he was now examining all 11 preliminary bids, which also include applications by the United States, England and Russia. All candidates will have to submit a full bid book by next May.
The hosts will be chosen by the 24-member FIFA executive committee December 2010.
Brown hoping to sway Zamora
Hull boss Phil Brown is planning to meet Fulham striker Bobby Zamora on Tuesday to discuss a potential £5million move to the KC Stadium.
The Tigers have been given permission to speak to the former Tottenham and West Ham forward after their club record-equalling bid was accepted last week.
Brown is anxious to bring in more firepower after seeing previous moves for Michael Owen, Fraizer Campbell, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Daryl Murphy fall by the wayside this summer.
Zamora, 28, is now free to meet Hull officials after returning from Fulham's pre-season tour of Australia.
"I'm hopefully speaking with Bobby Zamora tomorrow to discuss personal terms and show him around what could be his new home," said Brown.
Another forward linked with a move to the KC Stadium is Liverpool's Andriy Voronin but Brown has played down the speculation.
Ukraine international Voronin could be made available after spending last season on loan at Hertha Berlin.
"We have not made any contact with Liverpool with regards to Andriy Voronin," said Brown.
However, when asked if Voronin was a player that could interest him, he added: "Of course he would."
Brown admits he has endured a frustrating few weeks on the transfer front but remains hopeful of bringing in new faces before the Barclays Premier League campaign begins at Chelsea on August 15.
"The disappointments about the transfer market are there for everyone to see," he said.
"But we are still optimistic we will get our targets in. We are in pursuit of certain targets as we speak and we will continue with them.
"We are trying to be proactive but, unfortunately for us, being a small fish in a big ocean, we are having to be reactive most of the time.
"But as we stand we have bids in place and interest in a number of Premier League-quality players.
"Hopefully we'll get the players into the building before the start of the season."
Brown has not ruled out the possibility that defender Sam Ricketts, who has been linked with Everton and Portsmouth, could leave the club.
The Wales international is in the final year of his contract and while Brown wants the 27-year-old to stay he admits there has been interest.
He said: "There are two Premier League clubs interested in Sam Ricketts, who will remain nameless, but Sam seems to have come back in a good vein of form and got his nose to the grindstone early doors.
"He has played in a couple of games so far and we'll see how that goes over the next three or four games."
Brown said he also expects Michael Turner to remain at the club despite fresh reports linking the centre-half with a move.
The Tigers have been given permission to speak to the former Tottenham and West Ham forward after their club record-equalling bid was accepted last week.
Brown is anxious to bring in more firepower after seeing previous moves for Michael Owen, Fraizer Campbell, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Daryl Murphy fall by the wayside this summer.
Zamora, 28, is now free to meet Hull officials after returning from Fulham's pre-season tour of Australia.
"I'm hopefully speaking with Bobby Zamora tomorrow to discuss personal terms and show him around what could be his new home," said Brown.
Another forward linked with a move to the KC Stadium is Liverpool's Andriy Voronin but Brown has played down the speculation.
Ukraine international Voronin could be made available after spending last season on loan at Hertha Berlin.
"We have not made any contact with Liverpool with regards to Andriy Voronin," said Brown.
However, when asked if Voronin was a player that could interest him, he added: "Of course he would."
Brown admits he has endured a frustrating few weeks on the transfer front but remains hopeful of bringing in new faces before the Barclays Premier League campaign begins at Chelsea on August 15.
"The disappointments about the transfer market are there for everyone to see," he said.
"But we are still optimistic we will get our targets in. We are in pursuit of certain targets as we speak and we will continue with them.
"We are trying to be proactive but, unfortunately for us, being a small fish in a big ocean, we are having to be reactive most of the time.
"But as we stand we have bids in place and interest in a number of Premier League-quality players.
"Hopefully we'll get the players into the building before the start of the season."
Brown has not ruled out the possibility that defender Sam Ricketts, who has been linked with Everton and Portsmouth, could leave the club.
The Wales international is in the final year of his contract and while Brown wants the 27-year-old to stay he admits there has been interest.
He said: "There are two Premier League clubs interested in Sam Ricketts, who will remain nameless, but Sam seems to have come back in a good vein of form and got his nose to the grindstone early doors.
"He has played in a couple of games so far and we'll see how that goes over the next three or four games."
Brown said he also expects Michael Turner to remain at the club despite fresh reports linking the centre-half with a move.
Alonso travels with Liverpool for Thai friendly
BANGKOK (AP) - Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso traveled with the team to its Asian friendlies on Monday amid intense speculation about his future.
Real Madrid and Inter Milan are thought to be interested in signing the Spain international, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez gave nothing away Monday when asked whether he expected to retain Alonso.
"Xabi Alonso is here with us, so he will be available," Benitez said. "The Spanish players, along with (Andrea) Dossena and (Javier) Mascherano, arrived a little bit late because they were in the Confederations Cup in South Africa. They will be here, and they will be playing, but not as much as (other) players."
Liverpool had been linked with a number of strikers and attacking midfielders during the offseason, including Valencia's David Silva, AS Roma's Alberto Aquilani and Aston Villa's Ashley Young, and Benitez held out the possibility of another big-name signing before the season begins next month.
"We have already signed (Glen) Johnson, an international from England, a good signing," Benitez said. "(Andriy) Voronin, coming back (from loan), was one of the best players in the German league.
"We have two good additions now, and you never know in football. We have some time."
Benitez, however, said Villa was not a Liverpool target.
Liverpool will play Thailand's national team on Wednesday before another friendly in Singapore. With no Champions League qualifiers for the coming season, the club will be putting more emphasis on its friendlies to prepare for the coming campaign.
Veteran defender Jamie Carragher said the team does not need to improve much to win the Premier League title, something that has eluded Liverpool since 1990.
"We took Manchester United very close last year," Carragher said. "We realize they and Chelsea will be back, maybe Manchester City now as well - there's a lot of competition.
"We had a very good season in the league last year, and if we can improve that by 1 or 2 percent, that might be enough."
Real Madrid and Inter Milan are thought to be interested in signing the Spain international, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez gave nothing away Monday when asked whether he expected to retain Alonso.
"Xabi Alonso is here with us, so he will be available," Benitez said. "The Spanish players, along with (Andrea) Dossena and (Javier) Mascherano, arrived a little bit late because they were in the Confederations Cup in South Africa. They will be here, and they will be playing, but not as much as (other) players."
Liverpool had been linked with a number of strikers and attacking midfielders during the offseason, including Valencia's David Silva, AS Roma's Alberto Aquilani and Aston Villa's Ashley Young, and Benitez held out the possibility of another big-name signing before the season begins next month.
"We have already signed (Glen) Johnson, an international from England, a good signing," Benitez said. "(Andriy) Voronin, coming back (from loan), was one of the best players in the German league.
"We have two good additions now, and you never know in football. We have some time."
Benitez, however, said Villa was not a Liverpool target.
Liverpool will play Thailand's national team on Wednesday before another friendly in Singapore. With no Champions League qualifiers for the coming season, the club will be putting more emphasis on its friendlies to prepare for the coming campaign.
Veteran defender Jamie Carragher said the team does not need to improve much to win the Premier League title, something that has eluded Liverpool since 1990.
"We took Manchester United very close last year," Carragher said. "We realize they and Chelsea will be back, maybe Manchester City now as well - there's a lot of competition.
"We had a very good season in the league last year, and if we can improve that by 1 or 2 percent, that might be enough."
Wolves patient over McCarthy move
Wolves insist there is no pressure on Hamilton Academical starlet James McCarthy to make a decision on his future.
Both Wolves and Wigan has concluded talks with the 18-year-old after agreeing fees with the SPL club for his services.
Barring any late attempt from a rival to bid for the youngster he will join either Wolves or Wigan in the coming days.
Although Wolves are anxious to know who he will join, chief executive Jez Moxey insists they are pressing for a decision.
"It's a young man facing a big, big decision and the delay is understandable," Moxey told the Express and Star.
"There is absolutely no pressure from here on a decision."
McCarthy has conceded he was impressed by Wolves, but his comments fell short of divulging which team he would join.
"I was impressed with what Wolves had to say, I spent the morning with them," said McCarthy.
"The stadium is impressive and the facilities are great. I met Mick McCarthy and we had a good chat."
Both Wolves and Wigan has concluded talks with the 18-year-old after agreeing fees with the SPL club for his services.
Barring any late attempt from a rival to bid for the youngster he will join either Wolves or Wigan in the coming days.
Although Wolves are anxious to know who he will join, chief executive Jez Moxey insists they are pressing for a decision.
"It's a young man facing a big, big decision and the delay is understandable," Moxey told the Express and Star.
"There is absolutely no pressure from here on a decision."
McCarthy has conceded he was impressed by Wolves, but his comments fell short of divulging which team he would join.
"I was impressed with what Wolves had to say, I spent the morning with them," said McCarthy.
"The stadium is impressive and the facilities are great. I met Mick McCarthy and we had a good chat."
Guardiola feels the need for change at Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Despite winning three major trophies last season, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is trying to offload striker Samuel Eto'o because he feels the Spanish champions need a change.
Eto'o helped the team win the league title, Copa del Rey and Champions League last season, but Barcelona is trying to work out a swap with Inter Milan to send both the Cameroon striker and midfielder Alksander Hleb to Italy for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Without him we wouldn't have achieved all we did last year," Guardiola said of Eto'o on Monday as the team began its preseason training camp. "It's not about football or personal motives or his behavior. It's simply a question of feeling.
"I think we need to change things. I could be mistaken, but I'll take responsibility for it. It's my decision."
Last season, the 28-year-old Eto'o scored 34 goals for Barcelona, including one in the Champions League final win over Manchester United. In five seasons with Barcelona, Eto'o won two Champions League titles and eight trophies overall.
"After winning all that we did, after five years, I think we need to change things to help generate certain things, that in my experience as a football player, told me needed to be changed," Guardiola said.
Guardiola is eager for his players to move on from last season, which was his first as coach.
"We all know what everyone says: the second year is more complicated than the first," the 38-year-old Spaniard said. "I have to do what I can to keep them motivated and humble and to keep winning. I have a lot of faith in my team."
Guardiola expects to go into the season with 16 or 17 players and is hoping to sign an extra midfielder with Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita expected to be away at the African Cup of Nations in January.
"I want him to be good, cheap and of good value," Guardiola said of any potential addition.
Eto'o helped the team win the league title, Copa del Rey and Champions League last season, but Barcelona is trying to work out a swap with Inter Milan to send both the Cameroon striker and midfielder Alksander Hleb to Italy for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Without him we wouldn't have achieved all we did last year," Guardiola said of Eto'o on Monday as the team began its preseason training camp. "It's not about football or personal motives or his behavior. It's simply a question of feeling.
"I think we need to change things. I could be mistaken, but I'll take responsibility for it. It's my decision."
Last season, the 28-year-old Eto'o scored 34 goals for Barcelona, including one in the Champions League final win over Manchester United. In five seasons with Barcelona, Eto'o won two Champions League titles and eight trophies overall.
"After winning all that we did, after five years, I think we need to change things to help generate certain things, that in my experience as a football player, told me needed to be changed," Guardiola said.
Guardiola is eager for his players to move on from last season, which was his first as coach.
"We all know what everyone says: the second year is more complicated than the first," the 38-year-old Spaniard said. "I have to do what I can to keep them motivated and humble and to keep winning. I have a lot of faith in my team."
Guardiola expects to go into the season with 16 or 17 players and is hoping to sign an extra midfielder with Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita expected to be away at the African Cup of Nations in January.
"I want him to be good, cheap and of good value," Guardiola said of any potential addition.
Beckham confronts fan in home return with Galaxy
CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Boos rained down and fans sent negative messages with their homemade signs. Things sure got ugly when David Beckham came back to town.
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
Newcastle bidder intends to keep Shearer
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Investment company Profitable Group intends to keep Alan Shearer as Newcastle manager if it is successful with its bid to buy the club.
However, Profitable Group commercial director Steve McMahon said Monday that the company needs to hear back from Newcastle owner Mike Ashley by the end of the week if the bid is to proceed.
"We would certainly be looking to keep Alan," said McMahon, a former Liverpool and England midfielder. "He would be a major draw for players to the club and for the supporters.
"Shearer is part of the future for Newcastle if we acquire it."
Ashley is fielding offers from several interested buyers. A South African-based group was thought to be interested, while another interested company is from Oman. Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has been linked with another consortium.
"We need something to happen very, very quickly, for Newcastle supporters, and for the players," McMahon said. "The season is only two or three weeks away for the Championship to start. We urgently need something to happen, and we're trying to make that happen.
"I would imagine this week is crucial. If we don't hear anything back by the end of the week, it doesn't look hopeful."
Ashley had put an asking price of 100 million pounds ($165 million) on the club, which was relegated from the Premier League. McMahon indicated Profitable Group would be unlikely to meet that bid, but would offer fair value.
"A hundred million is difficult," McMahon said. "We've just offered what we believe is the value of the club.
"He's lost a lot of money on it, but he was there when Newcastle needed him. OK, it hasn't worked out for him as a business, but we don't intend to steal it off him, that's for sure."
McMahon said keeping the bid to a realistic level would enable the new owners to make funds available for transfers, as the club seeks to use its drawing power to build a squad capable of gaining immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
"There'll be money available," McMahon said. "It's difficult. It all depends how much we acquire the club for.
"We've put a certain amount of money aside. If we up the bid for Newcastle, that means there's less money for players," McMahon added. "We're not going to be Manchester City, we want to run it as a business."
Profitable Group is a diversified investment company based in Singapore, with much of its operations based in Asia.
However, Profitable Group commercial director Steve McMahon said Monday that the company needs to hear back from Newcastle owner Mike Ashley by the end of the week if the bid is to proceed.
"We would certainly be looking to keep Alan," said McMahon, a former Liverpool and England midfielder. "He would be a major draw for players to the club and for the supporters.
"Shearer is part of the future for Newcastle if we acquire it."
Ashley is fielding offers from several interested buyers. A South African-based group was thought to be interested, while another interested company is from Oman. Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has been linked with another consortium.
"We need something to happen very, very quickly, for Newcastle supporters, and for the players," McMahon said. "The season is only two or three weeks away for the Championship to start. We urgently need something to happen, and we're trying to make that happen.
"I would imagine this week is crucial. If we don't hear anything back by the end of the week, it doesn't look hopeful."
Ashley had put an asking price of 100 million pounds ($165 million) on the club, which was relegated from the Premier League. McMahon indicated Profitable Group would be unlikely to meet that bid, but would offer fair value.
"A hundred million is difficult," McMahon said. "We've just offered what we believe is the value of the club.
"He's lost a lot of money on it, but he was there when Newcastle needed him. OK, it hasn't worked out for him as a business, but we don't intend to steal it off him, that's for sure."
McMahon said keeping the bid to a realistic level would enable the new owners to make funds available for transfers, as the club seeks to use its drawing power to build a squad capable of gaining immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
"There'll be money available," McMahon said. "It's difficult. It all depends how much we acquire the club for.
"We've put a certain amount of money aside. If we up the bid for Newcastle, that means there's less money for players," McMahon added. "We're not going to be Manchester City, we want to run it as a business."
Profitable Group is a diversified investment company based in Singapore, with much of its operations based in Asia.
Bruce: Whitehead could pop to Stoke
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has revealed there is "still every chance" midfielder Dean Whitehead could move to Premier League rivals Stoke.
Whitehead is expected to leave the Stadium of Light this summer and has been linked with Stoke, who already have four former Black Cats players in Liam Lawrence, Thomas Sorensen, Rory Delap and Danny Higginbotham.
Bruce told the Sunderland Echo: "There's still every chance the move to Stoke City will go through.
"His decision to want to go had nothing to do with me. I think he's just decided he could do with a fresh start and we have to respect that.
"I'm not sure how close that move is as things stand, I'll just leave that up to them."
Whitehead is expected to leave the Stadium of Light this summer and has been linked with Stoke, who already have four former Black Cats players in Liam Lawrence, Thomas Sorensen, Rory Delap and Danny Higginbotham.
Bruce told the Sunderland Echo: "There's still every chance the move to Stoke City will go through.
"His decision to want to go had nothing to do with me. I think he's just decided he could do with a fresh start and we have to respect that.
"I'm not sure how close that move is as things stand, I'll just leave that up to them."
Blues pondered move for Murphy
Alex McLeish has confirmed Birmingham City mulled over a move for Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy this summer.
Blues were keen to strengthen their midfield department and McLeish saw the experienced schemer as an ideal signing.
Murphy was highly impressive for the Cottagers' in their successful 2008/09 campaign, scoring five Premier League goals.
However, McLeish came to the conclusion that there was no chance manager Roy Hodgson would allow Murphy to leave.
"Danny was someone we considered," he confirmed to the Birmingham Mail. "Well, we thought about him had Fulham been willing to let him go.
"But why would they be willing to let one of their most influential players go? People talk about Barry's age, but Murphy's 32 and has been a big factor in that Fulham side's success."
Although McLeish has signed Barry Ferguson and retained Lee Bowyer he remains in the hunt for an additional midfielder.
The former Rangers boss has a wealth of experience in the middle of the park and now wants youth to compliment his options.
McLeish has been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa's Craig Gardner, however, a deal is yet to materialise.
"I am still looking for that younger player I can get into the midfield," he continued.
"Someone who is maybe inexperienced in terms of games played but is a real dynamic and energetic player and who also is quite adept with a football.
"I know that's not going to be easy and these players generally cost upwards of �4million, probably more.
"We are spreading the net far and wide and we will keep doing our diligence. Maybe it's not the time to rush into anything in that respect.
"And if I can see someone who I can persuade the board, say 'come on, we've got to go for this boy', then they just may well do it."
Blues were keen to strengthen their midfield department and McLeish saw the experienced schemer as an ideal signing.
Murphy was highly impressive for the Cottagers' in their successful 2008/09 campaign, scoring five Premier League goals.
However, McLeish came to the conclusion that there was no chance manager Roy Hodgson would allow Murphy to leave.
"Danny was someone we considered," he confirmed to the Birmingham Mail. "Well, we thought about him had Fulham been willing to let him go.
"But why would they be willing to let one of their most influential players go? People talk about Barry's age, but Murphy's 32 and has been a big factor in that Fulham side's success."
Although McLeish has signed Barry Ferguson and retained Lee Bowyer he remains in the hunt for an additional midfielder.
The former Rangers boss has a wealth of experience in the middle of the park and now wants youth to compliment his options.
McLeish has been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa's Craig Gardner, however, a deal is yet to materialise.
"I am still looking for that younger player I can get into the midfield," he continued.
"Someone who is maybe inexperienced in terms of games played but is a real dynamic and energetic player and who also is quite adept with a football.
"I know that's not going to be easy and these players generally cost upwards of �4million, probably more.
"We are spreading the net far and wide and we will keep doing our diligence. Maybe it's not the time to rush into anything in that respect.
"And if I can see someone who I can persuade the board, say 'come on, we've got to go for this boy', then they just may well do it."
World Cup needs 15,000 volunteers
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Organizers are looking for 15,000 volunteers to help with the first football World Cup to be held in Africa.
Danny Jordaan, head of South Africa's World Cup organizing committee, put out the call Monday for what he called the "life blood" of the 2010 tournament. Among tasks volunteers are needed to perform are distributing tickets and ushering fans to seats.
Volunteers can apply starting Monday until Aug. 31 on the FIFA Web site. They must be at least 18 as of March and able to speak, read and write English.
Most of the volunteers will be South African. Ten percent of the slots are for other Africans, and 10 percent for non-Africans.
Danny Jordaan, head of South Africa's World Cup organizing committee, put out the call Monday for what he called the "life blood" of the 2010 tournament. Among tasks volunteers are needed to perform are distributing tickets and ushering fans to seats.
Volunteers can apply starting Monday until Aug. 31 on the FIFA Web site. They must be at least 18 as of March and able to speak, read and write English.
Most of the volunteers will be South African. Ten percent of the slots are for other Africans, and 10 percent for non-Africans.
O'Neill in no rush to bolster squad
Martin O'Neill has insisted that he will not rush into making signings this summer, although he is keen to bolster his squad.
The Aston Villa manager will take his players to Spain for the Peace Cup on Thursday, although Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner and Craig Gardner will all stay at home to rest.
O'Neill is keen to bring in some new faces as quickly as possible but maintains that he would be prepared to bide his time.
"Will we have players in by Thursday? I don't know is the answer," O'Neill told the Birmingham Mail.
"We want to try and strengthen the side and we will do our very best to do so but whether there's anybody in before Thursday or not I can't tell you.
"I don't get anxious. These things take time, like everything else, and you want to try and be as right as possible.
"If you are looking for immediate replacements for Martin Laursen and Gareth Barry, we are pressing on with that.
"We have enquired about quite a number of people and the ones we would like in I couldn't tell you that we would have anyone in by Thursday."
O'Neill feels he needs five new players and is not planning to let anybody leave until reinforcements have arrived.
He explained: "I think that if you have five quality players in that would be excellent. You're talking about players that could immediately take their place in a decent Premier League side.
"I would be hoping for everyone that goes out that we would be having at least somebody else coming back in again.
"Don't hold me to this, but I really probably wouldn't want to be losing players until we get some in.
"Do I want to end window with bigger squad than last year? Without doubt."
The Aston Villa manager will take his players to Spain for the Peace Cup on Thursday, although Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner and Craig Gardner will all stay at home to rest.
O'Neill is keen to bring in some new faces as quickly as possible but maintains that he would be prepared to bide his time.
"Will we have players in by Thursday? I don't know is the answer," O'Neill told the Birmingham Mail.
"We want to try and strengthen the side and we will do our very best to do so but whether there's anybody in before Thursday or not I can't tell you.
"I don't get anxious. These things take time, like everything else, and you want to try and be as right as possible.
"If you are looking for immediate replacements for Martin Laursen and Gareth Barry, we are pressing on with that.
"We have enquired about quite a number of people and the ones we would like in I couldn't tell you that we would have anyone in by Thursday."
O'Neill feels he needs five new players and is not planning to let anybody leave until reinforcements have arrived.
He explained: "I think that if you have five quality players in that would be excellent. You're talking about players that could immediately take their place in a decent Premier League side.
"I would be hoping for everyone that goes out that we would be having at least somebody else coming back in again.
"Don't hold me to this, but I really probably wouldn't want to be losing players until we get some in.
"Do I want to end window with bigger squad than last year? Without doubt."
Pompey takeover remains on course
Sulaiman Al Fahim's proposed takeover of Portsmouth remains on course despite suggestions the deal was in jeopardy.
The property tycoon is in the advanced stages of negotiations to secure control of the Fratton Park outfit and has moved to reassure supporters the deal is progressing as planned.
And the Premier League have moved to reject reports that claimed they were ready to veto the deal as they study Al Fahim's bid and his application to pass the 'fit and proper persons' test.
Ivo Ilic Gabara, spokesman for the prospective new owner of the South Coast club, rejected rumours the move was in jeopardy, although he could still not give a date for when the matter would be finalised.
Gabara told the Portsmouth News: "It is nonsense to suggest the deal has fallen through.
"I can confirm that it is still on track and both parties are doing their best in the best interests of the club, players and supporters.
"The deal is still on, absolutely, and both parties are actively engaged in discussions.
"I cannot say when it will be finalised. I have always said it's not completed until it has been completed. But Sulaiman Al Fahim is still on track to buy Portsmouth Football Club."
And Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson gave Pompey fans further good news as he insisted newspaper reports of a possible rejection of the deal were wide of the mark.
He added: "We have seen these newspaper reports but have not given anybody any indication of which way it will come down.
"We are working through the paperwork and submissions and it is an on-going process. We have never given a specific time-frame.
"We are working to try to complete everything as quickly as possible to the best of our intentions before we are in a definitive position.
"It is more important to do it right than quickly and that is our approach until we are satisfied with every single element."
The property tycoon is in the advanced stages of negotiations to secure control of the Fratton Park outfit and has moved to reassure supporters the deal is progressing as planned.
And the Premier League have moved to reject reports that claimed they were ready to veto the deal as they study Al Fahim's bid and his application to pass the 'fit and proper persons' test.
Ivo Ilic Gabara, spokesman for the prospective new owner of the South Coast club, rejected rumours the move was in jeopardy, although he could still not give a date for when the matter would be finalised.
Gabara told the Portsmouth News: "It is nonsense to suggest the deal has fallen through.
"I can confirm that it is still on track and both parties are doing their best in the best interests of the club, players and supporters.
"The deal is still on, absolutely, and both parties are actively engaged in discussions.
"I cannot say when it will be finalised. I have always said it's not completed until it has been completed. But Sulaiman Al Fahim is still on track to buy Portsmouth Football Club."
And Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson gave Pompey fans further good news as he insisted newspaper reports of a possible rejection of the deal were wide of the mark.
He added: "We have seen these newspaper reports but have not given anybody any indication of which way it will come down.
"We are working through the paperwork and submissions and it is an on-going process. We have never given a specific time-frame.
"We are working to try to complete everything as quickly as possible to the best of our intentions before we are in a definitive position.
"It is more important to do it right than quickly and that is our approach until we are satisfied with every single element."
Hammers name stand after Brooking
West Ham have named a stand at Upton Park after former midfielder Sir Trevor Brooking.
The Centenary Stand will be formally re-named when West Ham play Napoli in a pre-season friendly on August 8.
Brooking, 60, was born in Barking and spent his whole career at West Ham, making 635 appearances for the club between 1965 and 1984.
"It is obviously a terrific honour which I am very grateful for because this is my club. It will be my club forever," said Brooking, who is now the director of football development at the Football Association.
"The great thing was being able to spend my whole career with West Ham, having a stint as caretaker manager and as a director and then going to the FA."
The Centenary Stand will be formally re-named when West Ham play Napoli in a pre-season friendly on August 8.
Brooking, 60, was born in Barking and spent his whole career at West Ham, making 635 appearances for the club between 1965 and 1984.
"It is obviously a terrific honour which I am very grateful for because this is my club. It will be my club forever," said Brooking, who is now the director of football development at the Football Association.
"The great thing was being able to spend my whole career with West Ham, having a stint as caretaker manager and as a director and then going to the FA."
Riise closing in on Fulham switch
Bjorn Helge Riise's agent has confirmed the Lillestrom player is in talks over a move to Roy Hodgson's Fulham.
Riise, young brother of former Liverpool defender John Arne, has been linked with a move to England for some time and Fulham are now ready to offer Riise the chance to ply his trade in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old versatile midfielder is a full Norway international after stepping up through the Under-21s.
Riise's represetative, Tore Pedersen told Skysports: "We are in talks with Fulham about a move.
"I am having some meetings and hopefully I will have more news later."
Riise, young brother of former Liverpool defender John Arne, has been linked with a move to England for some time and Fulham are now ready to offer Riise the chance to ply his trade in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old versatile midfielder is a full Norway international after stepping up through the Under-21s.
Riise's represetative, Tore Pedersen told Skysports: "We are in talks with Fulham about a move.
"I am having some meetings and hopefully I will have more news later."
Porto determined to keep Alves
Porto president Pinto da Costa insists Bruno Alves is not for sale amid increased speculation linking him Chelsea and Barcelona.
The accomplished centre-half is known to have admirers across Europe, with interest thought to have been lodged from both England and Spain.
Alves, 27, conceded earlier this month he was tempted by the possibility of a move to Stamford Bridge, while his father, who acts as his agent, has been vocal in his exclamations of an impending exit.
However, following talks with the player in the past few days, da Costa, has arrived at the conclusion Alves is to remain in Portugal.
Rejecting talk that he has received offers for Alves, the Porto supremo is eager to silence any conjecture with regards a sale.
"Bruno Alves is not for sale and the objective is for him to continue as part of our squad," he told Portuguese press.
"The club has not received any offers for this player."
It is expected Porto will renegotiate the terms of Alves' existing deal in a bid to fend off foreign interest.
The accomplished centre-half is known to have admirers across Europe, with interest thought to have been lodged from both England and Spain.
Alves, 27, conceded earlier this month he was tempted by the possibility of a move to Stamford Bridge, while his father, who acts as his agent, has been vocal in his exclamations of an impending exit.
However, following talks with the player in the past few days, da Costa, has arrived at the conclusion Alves is to remain in Portugal.
Rejecting talk that he has received offers for Alves, the Porto supremo is eager to silence any conjecture with regards a sale.
"Bruno Alves is not for sale and the objective is for him to continue as part of our squad," he told Portuguese press.
"The club has not received any offers for this player."
It is expected Porto will renegotiate the terms of Alves' existing deal in a bid to fend off foreign interest.
Bruce downbeat over Cattermole bid
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce fears he could miss out on Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole but has confirmed his interest in Marouane Chamakh.
The new Black Cats boss has finances available to strengthen his squad and has identified his former Latics charge and the Morocco international striker as two targets.
Wigan have stated they have no intention of allowing the combative England Under-21 international to move on, while Chamakh has attracted admiring glances from of a number of Premier League clubs.
The 25-year-old is eager to leave the French champions and has seen Sunderland, Blackburn, Fulham, Tottenham and Arsenal all linked with his services.
The stance of Bruce's former club over Cattermole means he may be forced to look elsewhere, while the Wearsiders' bid to land Chamakh does not appear particularly advanced.
"We are interested in Lee Cattermole and we'll keep in touch with Wigan hoping to do something there," he told the Sunderland Echo.
"But there will come a time when you have to accept that you are not going to get a certain player and at that point you have to move on.
"That might prove to be the case with Lee. We'll just see how it goes."
And on Chamakh, he added: "We have had an interest in the player but, like several players we just have to wait and see what happens."
One player who will definitely not be heading to the Stadium of Light this summer is Crystal Palace full-back Nathaniel Clyne.
Press reports suggested that the Wearsiders were planning a £3million bid for the defender, but Bruce has dismissed the speculation out of hand.
He said: "No, he's not a player that we've been in for and there's been no bid."
The new Black Cats boss has finances available to strengthen his squad and has identified his former Latics charge and the Morocco international striker as two targets.
Wigan have stated they have no intention of allowing the combative England Under-21 international to move on, while Chamakh has attracted admiring glances from of a number of Premier League clubs.
The 25-year-old is eager to leave the French champions and has seen Sunderland, Blackburn, Fulham, Tottenham and Arsenal all linked with his services.
The stance of Bruce's former club over Cattermole means he may be forced to look elsewhere, while the Wearsiders' bid to land Chamakh does not appear particularly advanced.
"We are interested in Lee Cattermole and we'll keep in touch with Wigan hoping to do something there," he told the Sunderland Echo.
"But there will come a time when you have to accept that you are not going to get a certain player and at that point you have to move on.
"That might prove to be the case with Lee. We'll just see how it goes."
And on Chamakh, he added: "We have had an interest in the player but, like several players we just have to wait and see what happens."
One player who will definitely not be heading to the Stadium of Light this summer is Crystal Palace full-back Nathaniel Clyne.
Press reports suggested that the Wearsiders were planning a £3million bid for the defender, but Bruce has dismissed the speculation out of hand.
He said: "No, he's not a player that we've been in for and there's been no bid."
Rafa explains Johnson absence
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has explained Glen Johnson's omission from his squad for the pre-season friendly defeat by Rapid Vienna.
The £18million summer signing from Portsmouth was not involved in Austria as the Reds were undone 1-0 thanks to Steffen Hofmann's free-kick.
England right-back Johnson was sidelined by an Achilles injury, but Benitez is confident he will be back in action soon.
The Spaniard told the club's official website: "He has a small problem with his Achilles tendon but it is not serious.
"Him not playing was a precaution."
Despite the defeat, the Anfield boss was impressed with the displays of Spanish youngsters Daniel Ayala and Daniel Pacheco.
He added: "I don't like to talk too much about individuals but both players were doing well.
"They're both young and when they come with the first team you always want to see something different.
"I am pleased for them and also with Jay Spearing because he played as a left full-back as we have some problems in this position at the moment."
The £18million summer signing from Portsmouth was not involved in Austria as the Reds were undone 1-0 thanks to Steffen Hofmann's free-kick.
England right-back Johnson was sidelined by an Achilles injury, but Benitez is confident he will be back in action soon.
The Spaniard told the club's official website: "He has a small problem with his Achilles tendon but it is not serious.
"Him not playing was a precaution."
Despite the defeat, the Anfield boss was impressed with the displays of Spanish youngsters Daniel Ayala and Daniel Pacheco.
He added: "I don't like to talk too much about individuals but both players were doing well.
"They're both young and when they come with the first team you always want to see something different.
"I am pleased for them and also with Jay Spearing because he played as a left full-back as we have some problems in this position at the moment."
Wolves star upbeat after surgery
Wolves frontman Chris Iwelumo has set his sights on a swift return to action after undergoing surgery on his broken metatarsal.
Iwelumo suffered the injury in a pre-season friendly against Perth Glory earlier this month and looks set to be sidelined until around October.
But he is maintaining a positive attitude following a successful operation and is now looking forward to stepping up his rehabilitation.
"The operation went well and I'm now just getting ready for rehab," he told the club's official website.
"It's just a case of making sure there's no reaction but then once I'm off the crutches I'll be straight into it.
"They're saying it's about three months so we'll just get on with it and see how it goes.
"Maybe it's a slight consolation that by the time the season starts I'll be a good few weeks into the recovery but obviously I was hoping to be involved.
"It's just a case of trying to get myself back and fit and trying to make an impact when I am."
Iwelumo is confident that his team-mates will acquit themselves in the Premier League after winning promotion at the end of last term.
He said: "We have made some great signings of not only good players but also good lads who have really settled in well with the rest of the squad.
"Everyone is already looking fitter than we were last year which was already a pretty high standard to reach, and hopefully we can pick up where we left off last season."
Iwelumo suffered the injury in a pre-season friendly against Perth Glory earlier this month and looks set to be sidelined until around October.
But he is maintaining a positive attitude following a successful operation and is now looking forward to stepping up his rehabilitation.
"The operation went well and I'm now just getting ready for rehab," he told the club's official website.
"It's just a case of making sure there's no reaction but then once I'm off the crutches I'll be straight into it.
"They're saying it's about three months so we'll just get on with it and see how it goes.
"Maybe it's a slight consolation that by the time the season starts I'll be a good few weeks into the recovery but obviously I was hoping to be involved.
"It's just a case of trying to get myself back and fit and trying to make an impact when I am."
Iwelumo is confident that his team-mates will acquit themselves in the Premier League after winning promotion at the end of last term.
He said: "We have made some great signings of not only good players but also good lads who have really settled in well with the rest of the squad.
"Everyone is already looking fitter than we were last year which was already a pretty high standard to reach, and hopefully we can pick up where we left off last season."
Nani eager to improve goal output
Manchester United winger Nani is confident he can improve his goals output this season and establish himself as a regular at Old Trafford.
Nani has been an inconsistent performer for United since joining from Sporting Lisbon two years ago and he has been linked with a move away from the club.
He scored just once in the Premier League last term, and that was the final goal in a 4-0 home victory over relegated West Bromwich Albion.
However, he marked his first appearance of pre-season with a goal as United secured a 3-2 win over a Malaysia XI on Saturday.
And the Portugal international is now determined to enjoy a greater impact with the Red Devils following the departure of his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I enjoyed it and I hope to do more," Nani told MUTV about his performance in the Far East.
"I think that this season I can do better than the last two seasons. I'm working towards that.
"I am very happy to be here. I have the conditions to score more goals.
"I know that if I work hard every day and every game I can do much better, and I hope to score more goals this season."
Nani has been an inconsistent performer for United since joining from Sporting Lisbon two years ago and he has been linked with a move away from the club.
He scored just once in the Premier League last term, and that was the final goal in a 4-0 home victory over relegated West Bromwich Albion.
However, he marked his first appearance of pre-season with a goal as United secured a 3-2 win over a Malaysia XI on Saturday.
And the Portugal international is now determined to enjoy a greater impact with the Red Devils following the departure of his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I enjoyed it and I hope to do more," Nani told MUTV about his performance in the Far East.
"I think that this season I can do better than the last two seasons. I'm working towards that.
"I am very happy to be here. I have the conditions to score more goals.
"I know that if I work hard every day and every game I can do much better, and I hope to score more goals this season."
Chamakh chase gathering more pace
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh claims Fulham and Spurs have joined the chase for his signature, but he is not expecting to move to Arsenal.
Chamakh is looking to leave the French champions and the Morocco international is eager to secure a deal in the Premier League.
Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland have shown an interest in the 25-year-old, who now says London duo Fulham and Spurs are monitoring his situation.
However, Chamakh does not believe he will be signing for Arsenal, despite Arsene Wenger confirming he is a possible option to replace Emmanuel Adebayor.
"I want a new challenge, I have a weakness for the English league," Chamakh told L'Equipe.
"My dearest wish is to leave Bordeaux. I have repeated it for several months and I hope my officials will listen to my wish.
"With my agent, we have agreed terms with several English clubs that are keen to sign me. They are just waiting for my decision.
"They are notably Sunderland, Blackburn, Tottenham and Fulham. Arsenal? I don't really believe in it anymore. My officials have not received any offer so far.
"I have not made my decision yet. I am studying the offers.
"I want to know which destination will be the best for me. When I have made my choice, the club will contact Bordeaux."
Chamakh is hoping that Bordeaux will allow him to leave after suggesting money is not a motivating factor in his desire to move on.
He added: "I know Bordeaux can match the conditions I have been offered in England, but that doesn't change anything for me.
"I would like to be understood and listened to. My position is very clear. Four years ago, I accepted the club's demand to not leave when Lyon was determined to sign me.
"I believe I deserve to be paid back."
Chamakh is looking to leave the French champions and the Morocco international is eager to secure a deal in the Premier League.
Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland have shown an interest in the 25-year-old, who now says London duo Fulham and Spurs are monitoring his situation.
However, Chamakh does not believe he will be signing for Arsenal, despite Arsene Wenger confirming he is a possible option to replace Emmanuel Adebayor.
"I want a new challenge, I have a weakness for the English league," Chamakh told L'Equipe.
"My dearest wish is to leave Bordeaux. I have repeated it for several months and I hope my officials will listen to my wish.
"With my agent, we have agreed terms with several English clubs that are keen to sign me. They are just waiting for my decision.
"They are notably Sunderland, Blackburn, Tottenham and Fulham. Arsenal? I don't really believe in it anymore. My officials have not received any offer so far.
"I have not made my decision yet. I am studying the offers.
"I want to know which destination will be the best for me. When I have made my choice, the club will contact Bordeaux."
Chamakh is hoping that Bordeaux will allow him to leave after suggesting money is not a motivating factor in his desire to move on.
He added: "I know Bordeaux can match the conditions I have been offered in England, but that doesn't change anything for me.
"I would like to be understood and listened to. My position is very clear. Four years ago, I accepted the club's demand to not leave when Lyon was determined to sign me.
"I believe I deserve to be paid back."
Wenger feared worst for Rosicky
Arsene Wenger admits that at one stage during Tomas Rosicky's rehabilitation he feared the Arsenal midfielder's career was over.
Hamstring and knee injuries sidelined Rosicky for 18 months with his appearance in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Barnet his first since January 2008.
Wenger is confident the Czech international will still be the same player and hopes he could be available for the Premier League opener against Everton on August 15.
"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," said Wenger.
"But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong. Of course you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes.
"We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If we comes through pre-season well he could start the season."
Hamstring and knee injuries sidelined Rosicky for 18 months with his appearance in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Barnet his first since January 2008.
Wenger is confident the Czech international will still be the same player and hopes he could be available for the Premier League opener against Everton on August 15.
"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," said Wenger.
"But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong. Of course you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes.
"We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If we comes through pre-season well he could start the season."
Hammers trial for Italian starlet
West Ham have confirmed they are casting an eye over young Roma midfielder Simone Bezziccheri.
The 16-year-old has been invited to London for a trial period as Gianfranco Zola mulls over whether to offer him a contract.
The senior squad is currently in Austria but Bezziccheri was part of a youthful Hammers side that drew 1-1 with Cambridge United over the weekend.
Academy director Tony Carr took charge of the team and played Bezziccheri for the full 90 minutes.
Ahmed Abdulla scored for West Ham early in the second half before Rory McAuley grabbed a late equaliser for the Blue Square Premier outfit.
The 16-year-old has been invited to London for a trial period as Gianfranco Zola mulls over whether to offer him a contract.
The senior squad is currently in Austria but Bezziccheri was part of a youthful Hammers side that drew 1-1 with Cambridge United over the weekend.
Academy director Tony Carr took charge of the team and played Bezziccheri for the full 90 minutes.
Ahmed Abdulla scored for West Ham early in the second half before Rory McAuley grabbed a late equaliser for the Blue Square Premier outfit.
Nielsen on Alkmaar's radar
Teenager Morten Nielsen looks set to join Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar after impressing on trial.
The 19-year-old Dane, who had been at Chelsea until being released, scored twice in a recent friendly and will discuss terms with AZ over the next few days.
"Today or on Tuesday we will sit around the table with him to look if we can come to an agreement with him," said technical director Marcel Brands to RTV Noord-Holland.
The 19-year-old Dane, who had been at Chelsea until being released, scored twice in a recent friendly and will discuss terms with AZ over the next few days.
"Today or on Tuesday we will sit around the table with him to look if we can come to an agreement with him," said technical director Marcel Brands to RTV Noord-Holland.
Lee set for Trotters transfer talks
South Korea international Lee Chung-yong has confirmed he is heading for talks over a move to Bolton in a deal that cost Wanderers £2million.
Trotters boss Gary Megson has been a long-term admirer of the winger and is now close to agreeing a deal.
A fee in excess of £2million has been mooted for the 21-year-old, who currently plays for FC Seoul in his homeland.
He left the South Korean capital on Monday morning to travel to England to hold discussions over personal terms and undergo a medical with Bolton.
And the highly-rated youngster is hoping that he can return to Korea with positive news regarding a switch to the Premier League.
"A deal has yet to be signed, but I will try to come back with good results," Lee said.
Lee scored and won a penalty in Seoul's 3-1 win at Gangwon FC in the K-League on Sunday night, and afterwards said he has decided to make the move to England.
"This could be my last match for Seoul and I am happy I could score," he said.
"I had considered the transfer options several times because we (FC Seoul) have a good chance to be number one in Asia and Korea.
"But I wanted to accept this challenge and such chances don't come often."
FC Seoul have confirmed that they are ready to sanction Lee's move to the Reebok Stadium despite the domestic season being underway.
A club spokesman said: "We have decided to transfer Lee to Bolton, considering his promising future, even though the league is in full swing."
Trotters boss Gary Megson has been a long-term admirer of the winger and is now close to agreeing a deal.
A fee in excess of £2million has been mooted for the 21-year-old, who currently plays for FC Seoul in his homeland.
He left the South Korean capital on Monday morning to travel to England to hold discussions over personal terms and undergo a medical with Bolton.
And the highly-rated youngster is hoping that he can return to Korea with positive news regarding a switch to the Premier League.
"A deal has yet to be signed, but I will try to come back with good results," Lee said.
Lee scored and won a penalty in Seoul's 3-1 win at Gangwon FC in the K-League on Sunday night, and afterwards said he has decided to make the move to England.
"This could be my last match for Seoul and I am happy I could score," he said.
"I had considered the transfer options several times because we (FC Seoul) have a good chance to be number one in Asia and Korea.
"But I wanted to accept this challenge and such chances don't come often."
FC Seoul have confirmed that they are ready to sanction Lee's move to the Reebok Stadium despite the domestic season being underway.
A club spokesman said: "We have decided to transfer Lee to Bolton, considering his promising future, even though the league is in full swing."
O'Neill: No Reds approach for Barry
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill feels Liverpool missed out on Gareth Barry because they may have taken it for granted he would move to Anfield.
Barry was a prime target for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez 12 months ago, but the two clubs failed to agree a fee for the England international.
The Reds were expected to renew their interest in Barry this summer, only for the 28-year-old to seal a £12million switch to cash-rich Manchester City.
Benitez claimed money had motivated Barry's decision to join City, with O'Neill revealing that Liverpool did not make a fresh offer for the former Villa captain.
O'Neill was surprised the player chose to sign for City and has questioned why a transfer to Anfield never materialised.
"Did Liverpool take it for granted that Gareth Barry would sign for them?" said O'Neill. "They may well have done. And they missed out on Barry for that reason? They may well have done.
"All I will say is that I said to Barry's agent for us not to have the same debacle as last year, that they were perfectly at liberty to speak, I assumed to the top four teams. Liverpool were aware of the price we were asking if that was the case.
"Liverpool did not contact us directly at all in this matter and never offered any money for him.
"So the impression I got was that eventually it was a straight choice.
"I am not protecting anyone here because it doesn't really matter. I said I was a bit surprised because Barry had mentioned playing in the Champions League as a reason for going, that's a person's prerogative, but Liverpool had not put a bid in."
He added: "There was an agent working, supposedly, on Liverpool's behalf, but there was no offer forthcoming. Barry left, so that was the point.
"Why Barry wanted to leave was up to him, where he went to was a bit of a surprise. But that was it."
Barry was a prime target for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez 12 months ago, but the two clubs failed to agree a fee for the England international.
The Reds were expected to renew their interest in Barry this summer, only for the 28-year-old to seal a £12million switch to cash-rich Manchester City.
Benitez claimed money had motivated Barry's decision to join City, with O'Neill revealing that Liverpool did not make a fresh offer for the former Villa captain.
O'Neill was surprised the player chose to sign for City and has questioned why a transfer to Anfield never materialised.
"Did Liverpool take it for granted that Gareth Barry would sign for them?" said O'Neill. "They may well have done. And they missed out on Barry for that reason? They may well have done.
"All I will say is that I said to Barry's agent for us not to have the same debacle as last year, that they were perfectly at liberty to speak, I assumed to the top four teams. Liverpool were aware of the price we were asking if that was the case.
"Liverpool did not contact us directly at all in this matter and never offered any money for him.
"So the impression I got was that eventually it was a straight choice.
"I am not protecting anyone here because it doesn't really matter. I said I was a bit surprised because Barry had mentioned playing in the Champions League as a reason for going, that's a person's prerogative, but Liverpool had not put a bid in."
He added: "There was an agent working, supposedly, on Liverpool's behalf, but there was no offer forthcoming. Barry left, so that was the point.
"Why Barry wanted to leave was up to him, where he went to was a bit of a surprise. But that was it."
Chinese striker to try out with Spartak Moscow
BEIJING (AP) - One of China's top young strikers, Jiang Ning, has left for Moscow and a trial with Spartak Moscow, his club said Monday.
The Qingdao Zhongneng player has established himself in the Chinese national side since making his debut at the East Asian Championships in February 2008.
Jiang, 22, also took part in China's failed attempt to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Qingdao Zhongneng player has established himself in the Chinese national side since making his debut at the East Asian Championships in February 2008.
Jiang, 22, also took part in China's failed attempt to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Agent: No Rovers offer for Hoffer
The agent for Erwin Hoffer has poured cold water on speculation linking the highly-rated Austrian striker with a summer switch to Blackburn
Reports have suggested Rovers are lining up a move for the Rapid Vienna hitman as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, who joined Manchester City in an £18million deal.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye at Rapid scoring 27 goals in 34 games last season, but the player's representative, Rupert Marko, insists he has not had any contact with Blackburn over Hoffer.
"English newspapers are writing a whole lot of stuff, all I can say at this point is neither I nor the player has been in touch with anyone concerning a transfer thus far," Marko said.
"I do not believe in a transfer this summer. Normally defensive minded players are more wanted in the transfer market and this summer there are only those mega transfers that happen.
"There is no real action regarding the player."
Reports have suggested Rovers are lining up a move for the Rapid Vienna hitman as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, who joined Manchester City in an £18million deal.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye at Rapid scoring 27 goals in 34 games last season, but the player's representative, Rupert Marko, insists he has not had any contact with Blackburn over Hoffer.
"English newspapers are writing a whole lot of stuff, all I can say at this point is neither I nor the player has been in touch with anyone concerning a transfer thus far," Marko said.
"I do not believe in a transfer this summer. Normally defensive minded players are more wanted in the transfer market and this summer there are only those mega transfers that happen.
"There is no real action regarding the player."
Kearns signs pro Hammers contract
Teenage winger Daniel Kearns has expressed his delight after signing a one-year professional contract with West Ham United.
The 17-year-old was offered the terms at the end of last season, but has only recently been able to put pen-to-paper after returning from his native Northern Ireland.
Kearns follows Matt Fry, Tony Brookes, Oliver Lee and Anthony Edgar in recently progressing from the Hammers Academy to earn professional status with Gianfranco Zola's side.
He is now pleased to have the deal completed, telling West Ham's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted.
"All the other boys signed their contracts while I was still away so I'm pleased to have got it done and dusted.
"The main aim for the season is to get another contract at the end of it. I'm hoping to get a regular spot in the reserves and maybe try and go out on loan during the season.
"And from there, I hope to push on and get into the first team. You never what's going to happen."
The 17-year-old was offered the terms at the end of last season, but has only recently been able to put pen-to-paper after returning from his native Northern Ireland.
Kearns follows Matt Fry, Tony Brookes, Oliver Lee and Anthony Edgar in recently progressing from the Hammers Academy to earn professional status with Gianfranco Zola's side.
He is now pleased to have the deal completed, telling West Ham's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted.
"All the other boys signed their contracts while I was still away so I'm pleased to have got it done and dusted.
"The main aim for the season is to get another contract at the end of it. I'm hoping to get a regular spot in the reserves and maybe try and go out on loan during the season.
"And from there, I hope to push on and get into the first team. You never what's going to happen."
Jerome urges Larsson to be true blue
Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome has urged team-mate Sebastian Larsson to join him in committing his future to the Premier League new boys.
Jerome signed a new three-year contract last week, with a further two-year option after that, and it is believed a similar offer is on the table for winger Larsson.
The Swede's future has been up in the air ever since the club's relegation from the Premier League in 2008, when a contract offer was left unsigned as the club battled their way to an immediate return to the top flight.
Despite promotion, the 24-year-old is still believed to be mulling over a new deal, but Jerome has stressed his desire to see his team-mate commit.
"Everyone would like to see Seb commit his future to the club," Jerome told the Birmingham Mail.
"He's still a young lad as well, he's learning his game and I think he's settled in Birmingham now.
"Everyone gets on with him around the training ground, the fans like him and he's a good lad.
"He's the sort of player you want in your squad, you don't want to lose his quality. He's got it in abundance. At the same time, the deal has got to be right for him.
"If he can agree terms, then I can't see why he wouldn't want to sign."
Manager Alex McLeish has been busy in the transfer market this summer with the additions of experienced midfield duo Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer plus new deals for several promising youngsters.
"The club definitely seems to be going in the right direction," said Jerome.
"They seem to be investing in some younger lads, and Seb falls into that category too. People shouldn't expect him to sign any deal for the sake of it.
"He's got to be happy if he's going to commit for a number of years, he's got to be certain that this is the place he wants to be and I'm sure it is and that in time he will sign.
"Seb is the sort who just gets on with his football and he won't let it affect him. He works hard in training and in games, he really does run himself into the ground.
"It's the same situation as with me. I just let things take care of themselves and I'm sure in due course he will sign."
Jerome, a former England Under-21 international, has scored 26 goals in 123 appearances, and has been used up front and on the wing during his time at St Andrew's.
The 22-year-old has become an important player for the club since his move from Cardiff in 2006, and he admits that leaving never entered his thoughts.
"I always wanted to stay here," he insisted. "There was no rush about it, we took our time to talk and we came to a conclusion that both parties were happy with.
"We just had to put it to bed. There was never really any doubt that I would want out or anything like that.
"If the worst-case scenario happened, that we didn't agree terms, I was still under contract and I would still have played giving my best, like I always do."
Jerome signed a new three-year contract last week, with a further two-year option after that, and it is believed a similar offer is on the table for winger Larsson.
The Swede's future has been up in the air ever since the club's relegation from the Premier League in 2008, when a contract offer was left unsigned as the club battled their way to an immediate return to the top flight.
Despite promotion, the 24-year-old is still believed to be mulling over a new deal, but Jerome has stressed his desire to see his team-mate commit.
"Everyone would like to see Seb commit his future to the club," Jerome told the Birmingham Mail.
"He's still a young lad as well, he's learning his game and I think he's settled in Birmingham now.
"Everyone gets on with him around the training ground, the fans like him and he's a good lad.
"He's the sort of player you want in your squad, you don't want to lose his quality. He's got it in abundance. At the same time, the deal has got to be right for him.
"If he can agree terms, then I can't see why he wouldn't want to sign."
Manager Alex McLeish has been busy in the transfer market this summer with the additions of experienced midfield duo Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer plus new deals for several promising youngsters.
"The club definitely seems to be going in the right direction," said Jerome.
"They seem to be investing in some younger lads, and Seb falls into that category too. People shouldn't expect him to sign any deal for the sake of it.
"He's got to be happy if he's going to commit for a number of years, he's got to be certain that this is the place he wants to be and I'm sure it is and that in time he will sign.
"Seb is the sort who just gets on with his football and he won't let it affect him. He works hard in training and in games, he really does run himself into the ground.
"It's the same situation as with me. I just let things take care of themselves and I'm sure in due course he will sign."
Jerome, a former England Under-21 international, has scored 26 goals in 123 appearances, and has been used up front and on the wing during his time at St Andrew's.
The 22-year-old has become an important player for the club since his move from Cardiff in 2006, and he admits that leaving never entered his thoughts.
"I always wanted to stay here," he insisted. "There was no rush about it, we took our time to talk and we came to a conclusion that both parties were happy with.
"We just had to put it to bed. There was never really any doubt that I would want out or anything like that.
"If the worst-case scenario happened, that we didn't agree terms, I was still under contract and I would still have played giving my best, like I always do."
Bellamy ready for City striker fight
Craig Bellamy is willing to fight for his place at Manchester City following the arrival of three big-money striker arrivals this summer.
City boss Mark Hughes has been busy adding to his attacking options during the summer after signing Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor for an estimated total of £68million.
The new arrivals have prompted speculation that Bellamy could be moved on just six months after joining City from West Ham United.
However, Bellamy is not fazed by the big-money signings and was always aware that the ambitious Premier League club would again be active in the transfer market.
The Wales international, who is fit again after a knee injury, is now determined to prove his worth to Hughes during City's pre-season friendly campaign.
"That (the new signings) was the reason I joined the club," said Bellamy in the Daily Mirror. "I knew this was going to happen.
"This is my last chance to have a right good end to my career.
"If I am fit, I am more than able to fight for my place and that is what I am concentrating on."
City boss Mark Hughes has been busy adding to his attacking options during the summer after signing Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor for an estimated total of £68million.
The new arrivals have prompted speculation that Bellamy could be moved on just six months after joining City from West Ham United.
However, Bellamy is not fazed by the big-money signings and was always aware that the ambitious Premier League club would again be active in the transfer market.
The Wales international, who is fit again after a knee injury, is now determined to prove his worth to Hughes during City's pre-season friendly campaign.
"That (the new signings) was the reason I joined the club," said Bellamy in the Daily Mirror. "I knew this was going to happen.
"This is my last chance to have a right good end to my career.
"If I am fit, I am more than able to fight for my place and that is what I am concentrating on."
Real move talk flattering for Alonso
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso admits he is flattered to be linked with a move to Real Madrid and believes his future could be decided soon.
Big-spending Real have been courting Alonso all summer as they look to rebuild their squad after a disappointing campaign last term.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have already arrived at the Bernabeu this summer and Alonso is the next player in Real president Florentino Perez's sights.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is determined to keep Alonso as he plots another assault on the Premier League title this season.
Real are believed to be unwilling to meet Liverpool's current valuation of Alonso, but they are refusing to give up their pursuit of the playmaker.
Alonso admits he would be interesting in joining Perez's revolution, but insists he will not try and force the issue by asking for a transfer.
"It's always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now," Alonso told AS.
"But at this point, as I have always said, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves three parties, including myself.
"I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.
"Madrid's project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I can't tell you anything else."
Alonso will hold talks with Benitez over his future during Liverpool's pre-season training camp in Austria.
"I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive (in Austria) is to greet him," he professed.
"But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that, even though in reality, there's nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It's the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement."
Asked why Liverpool had rejected Real's initial overtures, Alonso said: "I am not the man who can answer these questions.
"The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller."
Big-spending Real have been courting Alonso all summer as they look to rebuild their squad after a disappointing campaign last term.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have already arrived at the Bernabeu this summer and Alonso is the next player in Real president Florentino Perez's sights.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is determined to keep Alonso as he plots another assault on the Premier League title this season.
Real are believed to be unwilling to meet Liverpool's current valuation of Alonso, but they are refusing to give up their pursuit of the playmaker.
Alonso admits he would be interesting in joining Perez's revolution, but insists he will not try and force the issue by asking for a transfer.
"It's always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now," Alonso told AS.
"But at this point, as I have always said, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves three parties, including myself.
"I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.
"Madrid's project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I can't tell you anything else."
Alonso will hold talks with Benitez over his future during Liverpool's pre-season training camp in Austria.
"I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive (in Austria) is to greet him," he professed.
"But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that, even though in reality, there's nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It's the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement."
Asked why Liverpool had rejected Real's initial overtures, Alonso said: "I am not the man who can answer these questions.
"The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller."
Lampard unsure if Terry will stay
Frank Lampard has added to the uncertainty over John Terry's future by admitting he is not sure whether he will stay at Stamford Bridge.
Terry is a target for big-spending Manchester City and has yet to rule out a move to Eastlands even though Chelsea are desperate for him to commit his long-term future to the club.
Lampard, who came close to following former boss Jose Mourinho to Inter Milan last summer, sympathises with his England colleague and insists he deserves the right to choose where he plays.
He told The Times: "I don't know what he will do.
"I've been in John's position, but everyone at the club wants him to stay. I had an option to leave last summer, to go with a manager who I love, but it came at a time in my life that, maybe, just wasn't right.
"But the situation made me think an awful lot. It wasn't an easy decision, either, and I don't think people should criticise John.
"People should respect his right to choose."
City are reported to have put together a five-year package worth £200,000 a week - comfortably more than he earns in west London - but Lampard insists any move would not be motivated by money.
He added: "When you're a successful player this kind of thing is going to happen and then you have to make a decision. John's a very honourable man and it doesn't come down to money and things like that.
"I know John. I know he'll be thinking about what's the right thing to do as a player and, in the longer term, for his career. This is not just about the money and people shouldn't try to make it that black and white."
Chelsea meet former manager Jose 'The Special One' Mourinho this Tuesday in the World Club Challenge.
Terry is a target for big-spending Manchester City and has yet to rule out a move to Eastlands even though Chelsea are desperate for him to commit his long-term future to the club.
Lampard, who came close to following former boss Jose Mourinho to Inter Milan last summer, sympathises with his England colleague and insists he deserves the right to choose where he plays.
He told The Times: "I don't know what he will do.
"I've been in John's position, but everyone at the club wants him to stay. I had an option to leave last summer, to go with a manager who I love, but it came at a time in my life that, maybe, just wasn't right.
"But the situation made me think an awful lot. It wasn't an easy decision, either, and I don't think people should criticise John.
"People should respect his right to choose."
City are reported to have put together a five-year package worth £200,000 a week - comfortably more than he earns in west London - but Lampard insists any move would not be motivated by money.
He added: "When you're a successful player this kind of thing is going to happen and then you have to make a decision. John's a very honourable man and it doesn't come down to money and things like that.
"I know John. I know he'll be thinking about what's the right thing to do as a player and, in the longer term, for his career. This is not just about the money and people shouldn't try to make it that black and white."
Chelsea meet former manager Jose 'The Special One' Mourinho this Tuesday in the World Club Challenge.
Rooney: Move will invigorate Owen
Wayne Rooney is predicting Michael Owen's move to Manchester United will give the England sharp-shooter a new lease of life.
Owen's career appeared to be heading for the buffers until Sir Alex Ferguson stepped in with the offer of a two-year contract which could turn out to be one of the Scot's masterstrokes.
Nothing too much will be read into Owen's goal at the Bukit Jalil Stadium that gave United a 3-2 win over a Malaysian Select XI they will also face in the same stadium later today.
However, Rooney can sense his old international colleague is ready to explode again.
"Over the last couple of years Michael has had some criticism but it would have been difficult for any player to score in the Newcastle team he was in last season," said Rooney.
"He looked really sharp in training. He is working very hard and you could see by the way all the lads celebrated with him how pleased they were for him when he scored.
"This move will give him a new lease of life."
The same could also be said for Rooney, who opened United's account with a tap-in on Saturday and then set Nani up for their second.
For if one man is going to profit from Cristiano Ronaldo's world record £80million exit, it is surely Rooney given he can now abandon his station on the wing and resume a forward role in which Fabio Capello feels he has few peers in the world game.
"We haven't spoken about it but I am sure that is where I'll play," he said.
"Everyone knows it's my best position. I enjoy it more than being out on the flanks - it's less work and you get more chances to score. As a forward that's what you want."
Like Owen, Rooney knows it will take a collective effort to cover the 67 goals from the last two seasons Ronaldo left as his legacy before moving to Real Madrid.
The pair might have had their differences on the international field, but Rooney's respect for the Portugal superstar's abilities is immense.
"I have spoken to Cristiano since he left and wished him well," he said.
"He was a great player for Manchester United but it was his wish to go and I think the club have respected that.
"Both for the club and Cristiano himself it was a good deal. The money we got for him was unbelievable.
"We don't feel let down by him. We always knew he was going to go sometime."
Owen's career appeared to be heading for the buffers until Sir Alex Ferguson stepped in with the offer of a two-year contract which could turn out to be one of the Scot's masterstrokes.
Nothing too much will be read into Owen's goal at the Bukit Jalil Stadium that gave United a 3-2 win over a Malaysian Select XI they will also face in the same stadium later today.
However, Rooney can sense his old international colleague is ready to explode again.
"Over the last couple of years Michael has had some criticism but it would have been difficult for any player to score in the Newcastle team he was in last season," said Rooney.
"He looked really sharp in training. He is working very hard and you could see by the way all the lads celebrated with him how pleased they were for him when he scored.
"This move will give him a new lease of life."
The same could also be said for Rooney, who opened United's account with a tap-in on Saturday and then set Nani up for their second.
For if one man is going to profit from Cristiano Ronaldo's world record £80million exit, it is surely Rooney given he can now abandon his station on the wing and resume a forward role in which Fabio Capello feels he has few peers in the world game.
"We haven't spoken about it but I am sure that is where I'll play," he said.
"Everyone knows it's my best position. I enjoy it more than being out on the flanks - it's less work and you get more chances to score. As a forward that's what you want."
Like Owen, Rooney knows it will take a collective effort to cover the 67 goals from the last two seasons Ronaldo left as his legacy before moving to Real Madrid.
The pair might have had their differences on the international field, but Rooney's respect for the Portugal superstar's abilities is immense.
"I have spoken to Cristiano since he left and wished him well," he said.
"He was a great player for Manchester United but it was his wish to go and I think the club have respected that.
"Both for the club and Cristiano himself it was a good deal. The money we got for him was unbelievable.
"We don't feel let down by him. We always knew he was going to go sometime."
Beckham confronts fan in home return with Galaxy
CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Boos rained down and fans sent negative messages with their homemade signs. Things sure got ugly when David Beckham came back to town.
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
Beckham confronts fan in home return with Galaxy
CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Boos rained down and fans sent negative messages with their homemade signs. Things sure got ugly when David Beckham came back to town.
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
Beckham downplayed the rough reception in his first home game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, a 2-2 tie with AC Milan in which his corner kick set up his team's second goal, although his halftime confrontation with a fan indicated otherwise Sunday night.
"I'm not disappointed. It doesn't affect me," he said. "You can't be liked by everyone."
Anti-Beckham sentiment ran high as the English star returned after missing half of the Major League Soccer season while on a five-month loan to the Italian club. He was the target of frequent booing and derisive banners held up in a corner of the stadium, where one of the team's fan groups sits.
The signs all had messages directed at Beckham. "Go home fraud" read one, with a red slash through his No. 23 jersey number. Another said, "23: Repent," while another read, "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here After You, Here Despite You." Another read, "Is evil something u are...or something u do."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the L.A. Riot Squad section and motioned to a fan to come closer. A man jumped down from the seats and was subdued by security before being taken away.
"One of the guys was saying things that wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line," Beckham said. "I said, 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand,' and he jumped over."
The man was arrested by Cal State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said.
"I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."
Beckham was the last player to take the field after halftime. He hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates and then turned toward the rowdy fan section and clapped his hands before making a gesture.
The banners weren't displayed as often in the second half, when a line of yellow-jacketed security personnel stood below the fans.
"A lot of people predicted this kind of reaction," Beckham said.
In the 65th minute, Beckham walked toward the fan section to take a corner kick. He sent a bending kick at Bryan Jordan, who headed the ball in from 7 feet to tie the game 2-2.
Beckham didn't join in the play. Instead, he turned and faced the fans who had been riding him all game and spread both arms wide as if to say, "What do you want?" He then gestured before walking away.
"Sometimes the supporters don't understand the situation," AC Milan coach Leonardo said.
Beckham left the game in the 75th minute and clapped his hands as he walked off to a mix of boos and cheers. He waved to fans offering a smattering of cheers in an opposite corner before sitting on the bench.
"The cheers in the end drowned out the boos, which was nice," he said.
It marked the end of a rough week for Beckham that began with him and team captain Landon Donovan accusing each other of being unprofessional. Donovan sparked the dispute with comments he made in a new book "The Beckham Experiment."
Arena mediated the clash during a sit down with both players, who later said they had patched things up.
"That's beyond my control," Donovan said when asked about the crowd's reaction to Beckham.
AC Milan dressed a half-strength lineup as it began a four-game preseason tour of the U.S. The seven-time European champions visited the Galaxy as part of the deal that allowed Beckham to remain on loan with Milan through the end of the Serie A season on May 31.
"You don't want to look silly and we definitely didn't look silly," he said about the Galaxy's play.
Beckham has said he again wants to return to Milan after the MLS season.
"We would be happy if he came back because he did really well. He's incredible," Leonardo said. "The precision he has is something very, very special. He never missed the ball. He controlled the ball. The way the Galaxy plays is very, very important. They see that every ball begins with him."
Thiago Silva put AC Milan ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute. The Galaxy tied the game in the 30th minute on a goal by Alan Gordon, assisted by Donovan and Beckham.
The Rossoneri took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute when Filippo Inzaghi scored against Galaxy backup goalie Josh Saunders off assists by Mathieu Flamini and Ronaldinho.
"He was integral in both goals," Donovan said about Beckham. "There's not another player on a team in this league that can make those plays. It was an exciting game."
Beckham will play six more regular-season home games.
Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy because he believed the level of play was much better in Europe and would help him achieve his goal of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup.
"If it's possible, I think it could be a very good thing for us," Leonardo said about getting Beckham back. "He knows everyone. Everyone loves him in our club."
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